SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria — Tom Brady’s longevity in the NFL has often been viewed as remarkable, especially considering he played well into his 40s against fierce opponents. Likewise, Lewis Hamilton recently took the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car at the age of 40, without facing skepticism about his age in the high-speed racing circuit. However, Lindsey Vonn’s return to ski racing at 40 has raised eyebrows and led to significant questioning, given the nature of her sport, where downhill speeds can surpass 80 mph (130 kph).
Various factors might contribute to the skepticism surrounding Vonn’s comeback. Her history of injuries and crashes likely plays a role, as does the absence of any other woman of her stature successfully competing at this age, despite many male athletes having done so. Yet, Vonn offers a straightforward reason for her return: her passion for skiing. After a series of debilitating injuries that ended her career prematurely in 2019, she underwent surgery that replaced a damaged section of her right knee with titanium, an experience she claims has revitalized her physically and mentally.
“I love skiing,” Vonn stated in a recent interview ahead of the upcoming world championships. “The last few years of my career were filled with pain and injuries. Now, I feel better than I have in a long time.” She expressed confidence in her current skiing technique, insisting that she feels technically superior compared to when she retired. “The reason for my return is simple: I love it. I enjoy going fast and I’m competitive,” she expressed, reinforcing her belief in her capabilities.
Critics have been vocal about her decision to return. Prior to her comeback in December after nearly six years off the slopes, former Olympic champion Michaela Dorfmeister suggested she might need psychological help, while Austrian legend Franz Klammer expressed concern over her mental state. Nevertheless, Vonn has demonstrated her competitiveness, finishing sixth and fourth in recent downhill and super-G events held in St. Anton, Austria. While she continues to regain her speed, she has experienced minor falls but is optimistic heading into the world championships at Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
“I don’t feel my age,” she remarked. “A year or so ago, I would have said I felt old, but thanks to my knee, I feel rejuvenated. Anything is possible.” Because of other athletes who have excelled into their later years, like Brady, Hamilton, and Serena Williams, Vonn feels inspired. “They’ve shown it can be done. Today’s athletes have access to better recovery methods, which means recovering faster than I did in my 20s.”
Vonn’s return coincides with fellow skier Mikaela Shiffrin, adding star quality to the upcoming championships. Shiffrin recently returned from a two-month hiatus caused by a crash that left her with a significant injury, coming in 10th in a World Cup slalom event. “I’m working my way back up to the top,” she said, acknowledging the effort needed to close the gap with the world’s best.
Together, Vonn and Shiffrin boast a record of 99 World Cup victories for Shiffrin and 82 for Vonn, making them the most successful female racers in the competition’s history. There’s a potential for them to collaborate in a new team combined event, which features competitors racing in downhill and slalom with combined times determining the outcome. Vonn, the winner of 43 World Cup downhill races, and Shiffrin, holding the slalom record with 62 victories, would form an impressive duo.
Before teaming up, Vonn will compete in super-G and downhill events scheduled for Thursday and Saturday, respectively, while Shiffrin plans to contest in individual giant slalom and slalom on February 13 and 15. The combined event will take place on February 11, kicking off the championships with a team parallel event on Tuesday, where neither Vonn nor Shiffrin will participate.
