Lindsey Vonn: American skiing legend makes a surprise return after five years of retirement

CNN
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Lindsey Vonnone of the greatest skiers of all time, must finish his five years retirement and return to the sport.

After 18 years on the World Cup circuit, three Winter Olympic medals, eight World Championship medals and 82 World Cup victories, Vonn decided to step away from skiing in 2019, saying her body was “broken beyond repair.”

However, after undergoing successful knee surgery earlier this year, the 40-year-old is rejoining the US Ski Team in Colorado.

“Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey,” Vonn said in a US Ski & Snowboard declaration on Thursday.

“I look forward to being back with the Stifel US Ski Team and to continuing to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women.”

Vonn had returned from serious injury several times during her career, but a knee problem forced her to step away from the sport five years ago.

But after undergoing partial knee replacement surgery in April, Vonn has been testing her fitness over the past few months.

“Lindsey has left an indelible mark on alpine skiing and our organization throughout her career. We are delighted to welcome her back,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of US Ski & Snowboard.

“Her dedication and passion for alpine skiing is inspiring, and we’re excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here.”

Vonn had originally retired as the most decorated female skier of all time, an accolade now bestowed by fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin.

In an interview with The New York Times, Vonn said her goal was to get back to racing World Cup events, but did not completely rule out the idea that she could compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

“I’ve always enjoyed racing in Cortina and I’ve had a lot of success in Cortina,” Vonn said. “I don’t know what the next few months and the next year and a half will bring me. So I can’t say right now if that’s a possibility.”