SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria — Lindsey Vonn’s recent decision to return to downhill skiing at the age of 40, following nearly six years of retirement, has sparked significant debate. This comeback is engineered around her new titanium knee, yet her choice has drawn severe criticism from notable retired skiers such as Franz Klammer, Marc Girardelli, Pirmin Zurbriggen, Bruno Kernen, Michaela Dorfmeister, and Sonja Nef. Many of these critics have suggested that she may be facing mental health challenges due to her return to the sport.
Despite the harsh responses, there are several active and retired ski athletes, who are of similar age to Vonn, who hold a more supportive view. Marcel Hirscher, an eight-time overall champion, is one such supporter. He has also attempted a comeback at 35 but had to pause after injuring his left knee last December. Hirscher expressed his bewilderment at the negative critiques directed at Vonn, insisting that her journey is, in fact, uplifting. He finds inspiration in her perseverance, stating, “Lindsey showed us if you have a big dream, it doesn’t matter how huge the steps are.” Hirscher detailed his emotional reaction upon witnessing Vonn compete, as she finished sixth and fourth in her initial races back, an unexpected feat after her long break.
While Vonn is still navigating her recovery and adapting to advancements in ski technology from her years away, she has struggled in recent competitions, failing to finish in three out of her last six efforts. Her most recent performance at the world championships yielded a 15th place finish in the downhill category. Chemmy Alcott, a retired British racer who has previously competed alongside Vonn and now works as a skiing commentator for the BBC, shared her thoughts on the comeback. Alcott highlights Vonn’s resilience, recalling how she previously persevered through injury. Notably, Vonn has reported feeling no pain in her new knee, which marks a significant change for her.
Alcott deems the outcomes of Vonn’s races to be less significant than the joy she displays while competing. Alcott remarked, “For me, it’s actually irrelevant the results… just to see her come down with a smile on her face… I think is incredible.” She also noted the uniqueness of Vonn’s spirit in revitalizing her connection to the sport. Adding a personal touch, Alcott compared her age to Vonn’s return and expressed astonishment at the latter’s commitment.
Dave Ryding, who, at age 38, recently achieved a strong sixth-place finish in the slalom at the world championships, was asked to compare his own experience with Vonn’s. He shared insights about the relentless nature of his own professional career, stating, “I’ve not had any years off… it’s a testament to my dedication to the sport.” While he admires Vonn’s journey, he notes the intense nature of her current endeavors.
The oldest male competitors still active in downhill racing, Christof Innerhofer and Adrien Theaux, also highlight the challenges of their age with injury and fluctuating performance. Theaux remarked that Vonn might excel in races but acknowledged that consistency could be an issue.
As for future aspirations, Vonn aims to participate in one more Olympic event in a year’s time, specifically at the games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where she boasts the remarkable record of 12 World Cup wins. Alcott expressed optimism about Vonn’s potential, emphasizing her remarkable caliber, stating, “You can never write Lindsey Vonn off.” She articulated that Vonn’s journey, including her struggles and setbacks, is integral to her process and illustrates her dedication to competing at a high level. Ultimately, this attitude is likely to serve her well as she proceeds toward the Olympics.
