SUN VALLEY, Idaho — Lindsey Vonn’s return to competitive skiing and podium glory hit differently this time. After stepping away from the sport six years ago, enduring a partial knee replacement 11 months back, and announcing a surprising return to racing just four months prior, Vonn found herself overwhelmed with emotion as she crossed the finish line.
The former champion struggled to catch her breath. Nevertheless, she managed to raise her ski poles in triumph, tears streaming down her face. This was more than a race; it was a testament to her resilience, determination, and the realization of a goal that many thought was impossible. Vonn described this journey as a meaningful adventure, one that was proving to all, including herself, that it was worth the effort.
At the age of 40, Lindsey Vonn concluded her comeback season in spectacular fashion with a second-place finish in a World Cup super-G race, bested only by Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami. By achieving this feat, Vonn set a new record as the oldest female Alpine ski racer to secure a spot on a World Cup podium by six years. “It was incredibly tough,” Vonn admitted. “Accomplishing this feels immensely rewarding. It proves that I can still compete at this level.”
On the treacherous and twisting Challenger course during the World Cup finals, Vonn tapped into her classic form, speeding her way down as her name flashed brightly on the scoreboard, greeted by a roaring crowd. It was a moment she intended to cherish forever. “Age is just a number,” she declared. “If you’re in good shape, driven, and dedicated, you can achieve anything you set your sights on.”
In facing skepticism and criticism on her return, Vonn found motivation in the doubters. “Sometimes the negative comments drive me more than the positive ones,” she confessed. “They fueled me through the tough times this year. I always believed I could do it.” Crossing the finish line, she felt relief and validation, silencing the naysayers after a challenging season, celebrating this victory as the perfect end to her comeback story.
Vonn’s last World Cup podium appearance was back on March 15, 2018, when she placed third in a super-G in Are, Sweden. A year later, she clinched a downhill bronze at the World Championships before announcing her retirement, largely due to knee issues. Having received a titanium knee last April, Vonn felt invigorated enough to announce a return to competitive racing in November.
Her determination proved that anything was possible. Despite repeated setbacks in her personal and professional life, Vonn always managed to overcome them. She spoke about the hard work required to persevere, guiding herself through difficult days, step by step. “Through sheer hard work and effort, you can reach days like today,” she said.
Before heading into the race, her father, Alan Kildow, offered a simple yet powerful word of encouragement: “fearless.” He knew his daughter’s capabilities well, noting that the Sun Valley course suited her perfectly. “It required a flawless, technical run, and she delivered.”
This race marked Vonn’s 138th career World Cup podium in her 408th start, bringing her close to the record for most starts by a female Alpine racer, held by Renate Goetschl of Austria. Federica Brignone, a 34-year-old Italian skier, wasn’t surprised by Vonn’s achievement either. “She’s Lindsey Vonn,” Brignone stated. “She’s not just another athlete returning from injury; she’s an extraordinary champion who put everything together beautifully today.”
Lara Gut-Behrami secured victory with a time of 1 minute and 12.35 seconds, narrowly edging past Vonn and claiming the super-G crystal globe, surpassing Brignone in the process. Gut-Behrami took strategic risks to navigate the course swiftly, with Brignone finishing third. The final standings for the season-long super-G saw Gut-Behrami, Brignone, and Italy’s Sofia Goggia in the top three positions.
Reflecting on her performance, Gut-Behrami found joy once more. “Finding happiness on skis makes racing much easier,” she shared. “I’ve been searching for that feeling all season.”
The World Cup finals continue with a women’s giant slalom next on the calendar. As for Vonn, her season is concluded. She plans to take a short break before heading to Europe for further equipment testing. “I left everything I had in this race,” Vonn admitted. “Even my breath was difficult to catch, likely due to tears of joy. It was an incredible race.”
