BEAVER CREEK, Colo. — At the age of 47, Bode Miller has found his groove, focusing on ski development and parenting his children. Ted Ligety, now 40, is also enjoying his time, managing a ski-gear company while engaging with his kids on the slopes. Meanwhile, Julia Mancuso, who is 40 years old, is embracing life at the beach, spending her time between Hawaii and Fiji while pursuing a new passion for foil surfing.
These three retired American ski racing legends are relishing their post-competitive lives while cheering on their fellow athlete, Lindsey Vonn, as she makes a remarkable return to World Cup ski racing at 40. Vonn’s comeback, with a newly replaced titanium knee, is taking place in St. Moritz, Switzerland this weekend, and her former teammates are excited yet anxious for her performance.
Miller expressed his confidence in Vonn’s abilities, highlighting her potential as one of the sport’s greatest. “I have no doubt she’ll be fast,” he stated. “I just want her to stay healthy,” he added in a phone conversation from Park City, Utah.
Vonn made headlines when she retired in 2019, not due to a decline in her performance, but as the result of numerous injuries that took a significant toll on her body. Over the years, Vonn faced various setbacks, including broken limbs, concussions, and torn ligaments. Notably, even a celebration led to an injury when she accidentally cut her thumb on a champagne bottle. Despite the challenges she faced, Vonn continued to race until her body could no longer endure the strain. Her last major competition was a podium finish at the world championships in Sweden in February 2019.
After a partial knee replacement last April, Vonn found relief from her chronic pain and began gradually returning to her training regimen, achieving impressive feats like jumping 20 inches off one leg. With her physical strength restored, she announced last month her return to the U.S. Ski Team. Vonn’s recent training runs have helped her fine-tune her gear ahead of her return to the sport after nearly six years. She has even garnered support from younger teammates, sharing insights as a forerunner last weekend in Beaver Creek and securing the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit.
Vonn is set to race in two super-G events this Saturday and Sunday. If her performances go well, she could aim to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will take place at one of her favorite locations, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy. “I’m lucky that I have this second chance,” Vonn reflected.
While Mancuso misses the thrill of ski racing, she understands the passion fueling Vonn’s comeback. Having faced her challenges, such as undergoing a full hip replacement, Mancuso reflects on being a competitor and acknowledges that she might have considered returning if not for her family. Currently, her husband operates a surf resort in Fiji, allowing them to split their time between the tropical locale and the snow.
Echoing support for Vonn, Mancuso remarked, “The fact that she is really taking it seriously and going for it makes a great story. It inspires all the old-timers out there that age is just a number. Can’t wait to see how it goes.”
Miller, a six-time Olympic medalist, quickly dismissed any thoughts of a return to competitive skiing. He has found satisfaction in co-founding and serving as the “chief innovation officer” at Peak Ski Company, while also enjoying family time on the slopes. His last significant race occurred at the 2015 world championships in Beaver Creek, where a crash left him with an injury requiring surgery. Renowned for his daring approach, Miller claimed 33 World Cup victories throughout his career, yet he no longer concerns himself with his past records. “I know I brought something unique to the sport and to the world,” he said.
Miller also expressed admiration for Vonn’s potential return to the sport. When she retired, Vonn held the record for the most women’s World Cup wins at 82, a record that was later surpassed by Mikaela Shiffrin in January 2023, who now has a remarkable 99 victories, the most in Alpine skiing history.
Ligety, once known as “Mr. GS” for his prowess in giant slalom, understood his own moment to step away. The two-time Olympic champion faced numerous injuries, including frayed cartilage, torn ligaments, and surgeries throughout his career. He concluded his time competing in 2021, wrapping up 336 World Cup starts. Ligety acknowledged missing the thrill of races on sunny days, yet he mainly feels a sense of relief as he observes current athletes from the sidelines. “But most of the time when I watch it, I do not envy what they’re doing,” Ligety shared.
