Lindsey Vonn, a legend in American skiing, is back on the slopes at 41, aiming to reclaim her title as the fastest skier. But can she really do it again after all these years?
Imagine hurtling down a mountain at over 80 mph; it's an experience like no other. Since retiring in 2018 due to injuries, Lindsey has tried various ventures, from investing to writing a memoir, even dabbling in rodeo roping! But her heart still yearns for the thrill of speed.
One of her sponsors, Red Bull, offered her a chance to drive for their Formula 1 team. Her friend and former champion, Lewis Hamilton, supported the idea, believing Lindsey could make the transition. However, the commitment required gave her pause.
"I have other dreams too," Lindsey, the 2010 Olympic gold medalist, said. "I want to experience that rush one last time."
After nearly six years away, Lindsey returned to competitive skiing last year, with her eyes set on qualifying for the Winter Olympics in Italy. On Friday, she dominated the women's downhill race in St. Moritz, Switzerland, winning her first major victory since 2018 and becoming the oldest Alpine skier to win a World Cup race.
At the Olympics, Lindsey aims to compete in downhill, super-G, and the team combined race. Her qualifying journey is crucial this weekend at a key Olympic precursor in Switzerland.
"I retired because my body couldn't take it anymore," Lindsey explained. "But my love for adrenaline and competition remains."
Lindsey underwent partial knee replacement surgery last year, feeling as good as new. She's ready to embrace the activity that defined her life since she was a toddler in Burnsville, Minnesota - skiing at breakneck speeds.
"Being a downhiller requires a unique mindset. I'm willing to take risks, and that's why I've succeeded so many times," she said. "I'm embracing my crazy side!"
While the technology and strategy in Alpine skiing haven't changed much, Lindsey herself has. She's adopted a healthier diet and scaled back her intense workouts. Now, she trains five hours a day, six days a week.
"I can't win medals with a non-functioning body. I have to be strong, and I am!"
Skiing may be a young person's game, but Lindsey is determined. The oldest woman to win Olympic gold in downhill or Super-G was 32, but Lindsey has her own doubts-to-victory stories to tell.
"I believe my knowledge and experience give me an edge. The Alpine skiing events will be held in Cortina, a course I know well. I've won 12 World Cup races there!"
Lindsey is confident her legacy won't be tarnished. "No one remembers Michael Jordan's comeback. I've already succeeded. I've already won."
Last year, Lindsey's comeback had a rocky start. She made mistakes, realized she needed to build muscle, and worked on her equipment. But last season, she finished in the top three of a World Cup event, becoming the oldest woman ever to do so at 40.
"My trips down the slopes are not just about nostalgia. I'm here to win!"
To improve her chances, Lindsey hired Aksel Lund Svindal, a four-time Olympic medalist from Norway, as her coach. They share a deep trust and technical understanding of equipment.
"He knows the line men ski, and that's the edge I need to push my limits," Lindsey said.
But perhaps the most impactful advice came from her childhood coach, Erich Sailer, who told her to trust her natural speed. "In life, always be yourself," Lindsey recalled.
"I've always trusted my instincts. I used the same ski boots for six years!"
At 41, Lindsey is driven by results. "I appreciate the journey, but I'm here to win."
Will Lindsey Vonn reclaim her title as America's fastest skier? Only time will tell.
