SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria — Lindsey Vonn has completed her pre-race inspection and is preparing to compete in the super-G at the Alpine skiing world championships scheduled for Thursday, despite feeling unwell with symptoms resembling a cold or flu.

Vonn, who is now 40 years old, is making her return to the ski circuit after nearly six years away, refreshed by a new titanium right knee. This marks her first race at these championships, and she is determined to participate even while battling illness.

In a conversation on Wednesday, Vonn expressed to a news outlet, “I have a cold or the flu or something,” but she is devoted to doing whatever it takes to recover. Additionally, she shared on Instagram, “I wouldn’t let something like that prevent me from racing after everything I’ve gone through to get here! I guess the competitor in me is still there…”

Starting with the No. 30 bib, Vonn will hit the slopes after all top-ranked skiers have completed their runs. This event marks Vonn’s ninth world championships, and notably her first since the 2019 competition, where she earned a bronze medal in the downhill, her final race before retirement. Throughout her illustrious career, the American skier has celebrated two gold medals at the world championships, notably sweeping both the super-G and downhill in Val d’Isere, France, back in 2009. Overall, she holds eight medals from these championships.

In addition to her world champion titles, Vonn is also recognized as the Olympic downhill champion from 2010 and has garnered two bronze medals in Olympic events. In a recent interview, she shared that her primary motivation behind this comeback is to compete in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics next year, particularly in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where she has an impressive record of 12 victories.

Notably, Thursday marks precisely one year until the opening ceremony of the next Winter Games, set for February 6, 2026.