ST. MORITZ, Switzerland — Lindsey Vonn’s journey to return to downhill ski racing is not as simple as one might imagine. It has entailed a lengthy process, which included numerous surgeries orchestrated over time, comprehensive examination of medical implications, and extended periods of testing on snow across locations such as New Zealand, Austria, and Colorado. This meticulous preparation became essential as she gears up to enter a World Cup starting gate for the first time in nearly six years, focusing on super-G races scheduled this weekend in St. Moritz.
Despite her preparations, Vonn has encountered skepticism from a few of her fellow skiing champions who question her decision to return to potentially perilous competitions at the age of 40. Frustrated with the skepticism, she expressed, “I’ve been contemplating a knee replacement for several years. I conducted extensive research. I understand that some see me as irrational, but I have put much thought into this. I’ve spoken to several doctors and gained valuable insight.” Vonn also mentioned her conversations with extreme skier Chris Davenport, who has had a partial knee replacement yet manages to ski approximately 150 days annually. His experience helped bolster her confidence.
Vonn’s medical journey has significantly involved Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, who has performed procedures on her knees and arms and is connected with the U.S. Ski Team. “He has essentially served as my navigator, aiding me in finding reputable doctors worldwide to ensure they were genuinely interested in my well-being,” stated Vonn. She noted that many doctors expressed they could cure her problems but often lacked credibility in their claims.
Through Hackett, Vonn found Martin Roche, a South Florida-based specialist in complicated knee issues. Roche undertook a robotic-assisted knee replacement in April following a preparatory surgery conducted by Hackett in July 2023, which aimed to defer the need for a replacement while enhancing the condition of her knee in anticipation of the surgery.
“Once you decide to proceed with surgery, you have to stick with it,” Vonn shared. “Once they’re operating, there’s no turning back. So I ensured I did thorough research beforehand and am now enjoying the positive outcomes.” Yet, her comeback has not drawn universal approval, as some retired skiing legends have responded negatively to her decision. Two-time Olympic champion Michaela Dorfmeister insinuated that Vonn might benefit from psychological support, questioning, “Does she want to harm herself?” Meanwhile, Austrian skiing icon Franz Klammer commented that “she’s completely lost her mind.” Four-time overall World Cup champion Pirmin Zurbriggen also weighed in, warning that Vonn might face grave risks, suggesting it could render her unable to engage in sports permanently.
In reaction to Zurbriggen’s remarks, Vonn addressed the negativity on social media, stating, “I am weary of the continual negative predictions regarding my future. Have they all become doctors? They speak as if they possess greater knowledge than the best medical professionals.”
While no woman older than 34 has triumphed in a World Cup race, several men have achieved success close to or past the age of 40. Notably, Johan Clarey made history at 42 by finishing second in the renowned Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel, Austria, just earlier this year.
“I am not setting a precedent; I may simply be the first woman to achieve this milestone in ski racing. A great example is Simone Biles, who has shown that success is possible at an older age—she is not even old,” Vonn remarked, referring to the gymnast who became the oldest woman in nearly 75 years to win the all-around Olympic title at 27 during the Paris Games. “What I am doing may defy conventional timelines for our sport, but I’m simply pursuing what feels right for me while also building on the foundation laid by previous female athletes.”