Lindsey Vonn, a titan in the world of alpine skiing and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has recently expressed her excitement about returning to the sport she loves. Following a lengthy break due to injury, Vonn completed a notable comeback in the Super G at St. Moritz, a picturesque resort in Switzerland known for its challenging ski slopes. This event was particularly significant for Vonn, who initially retired from competitive skiing in February 2019 after a series of injuries that plagued her career. However, after undergoing knee surgery and dedicating herself to rehabilitation, Vonn chose to make a triumphant return, marking her presence once again on the World Cup circuit.
Vonn’s performance in St. Moritz was impressive in its own right; she finished in 14th place, showcasing her skill and determination despite the challenges she faced during her time away. The former champion expressed her sense of optimism and confidence in her abilities, stating, “I felt really good, there is definitely a lot that I have left to give.” This powerful assertion speaks volumes about her competitive spirit and commitment to climbing back to the peaks of her performance level.
In her post-race reflections, Vonn explained her racing strategy, emphasizing the need for caution in her comeback race. “I really wanted to get to the finish today and be solid; I did not want to risk too much. Today was not the day to do anything special.” She acknowledged that the course had its challenges, remarking on the bumpy terrain that prompted her to take a more conservative approach in certain sections. Nevertheless, she demonstrated speed and finesse in other parts, achieving fourth and second-fastest times in those areas. “I am really close to being there; I am just not quite there yet,” she assessed, highlighting the incremental journey of returning to her peak form.
With a remarkable record of 82 World Cup victories to her name, Vonn is undeniably one of the most successful skiers in history. Her accolades also include gold in the downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, alongside a bronze medal in the Super G that same year. In addition, she earned a bronze medal in the downhill at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, solidifying her legacy. However, Vonn recognizes that returning to the sport involves an adjustment period. “I was a little bit stressed, I was a little bit behind,” she candidly admitted, acknowledging the hectic feelings that come from being away from competition for so long.
One of the most poignant moments in her return was her observation of the nerves and excitement that accompany the start of a race. She remarked, “It was nice to feel the nerves again and to be in the start again.” Vonn is aware that settling back into the rhythm of competition will take time, stating, “I think the first one is the hardest because you just have to dive in.”
As for the race results, Austrian skier Cornelia Hutter took the top honors in St. Moritz, but Vonn viewed her performance as the ideal springboard for her journey ahead. “When I am in the starting gate, I don’t see anything else but the gates in front of me,” she explained, capturing the essence of focus that elite athletes must maintain. For Vonn, the thrill of racing is unparalleled, as she joins the ranks of competitors to challenge both herself and the mountain. “In ski racing, there is no limit to what you can push yourself to… I am looking forward to trying to improve in every race,” she concluded optimistically.
Fans of alpine skiing can follow the thrilling 2024/25 season live on platforms such as Webpressnews and discovery+. Vonn’s return promises to add intrigue and excitement to the sport as she continues to chase her passion for skiing.
