Lindsey Vonn: American on skiing comeback which has ‘exceeded’ her expectations and could lead to Olympics
After retiring from the sport, Vonn focused on her foundation and career, as well as learning to flyboard, wakeboard, and play tennis.
However, because she was still in pain, she decided to have surgery on her right knee.
“I had more therapy in retirement than I did when I was playing,” Vaughn explained.
“I’m doing this for my own longevity, for my own well-being. That’s what drives me – to be pain-free and live the life I’m trying to build for myself.”
The surgery went well and Vaughn loved his life, but something was missing. The buzz of fast skiing again.
“The life of a skier is very simple,” she said. “You work hard, do the right things, and when you get in the starting gate, you just want to run fast. I missed that.”
Vonn asked her surgeon how far she could push her knee and at what level she might consider competing again.
“He told me it was up to me,” Vaughn said. “He said if it doesn’t hurt and feels good, the titanium knee won’t go away.
“Obviously there are other risk factors. I have other ligaments, just like a normal knee. Things can go wrong, but titanium knee components are indestructible.”
Vonn, who races every Saturday and Sunday in Cortina, Italy, is familiar with the mountain and has won 12 World Cup races there – the last in 2018.
She fell during practice on Thursday but dismissed any injury concerns.
“I’m excited to be back here,” Vaughn said.
“I’ve been watching videos of past games. They’ve been very meaningful to my life. This means a lot to me. I’m just here to have fun.”
The stadium also hosts the women’s competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics just one year away.
Vonn didn’t have high expectations for the fifth Winter Olympics, nearly a quarter of a century after the first in 2002.
“I don’t think this weekend’s results mean anything for the next Olympics,” she said.
“(The Olympics) depend on if I can stay healthy, figure out my equipment, can I maintain this level of skiing throughout the year? I don’t know the answers to those questions.
“I’m going to enjoy this weekend as if it’s my last time skiing here and we’ll see what each day brings.”
If Vonn can win the World Cup, she will easily become the oldest man or woman to do so.
“My new knee gives me a second chance. Life is short, so I’m going to take advantage of it,” she added.
