Lindsey Vonn is making headlines again as she gears up for her return to downhill skiing at the age of 40. After retiring in 2019, Vonn has undergone numerous knee surgeries, including a recent titanium knee replacement, and is now ready to take on the World Cup races in St. Moritz this weekend.
This journey has been anything but spontaneous. Vonn carefully evaluated her medical situation and sought advice from top doctors before making the decision to return to the slopes. She expressed frustration over criticisms from some retired skiers who question her choice to race in such a demanding sport at her age.
“I’ve been thinking about getting a replacement for several years. I did a lot of research. I know people think that I’m insane. But I am actually kind of smart,” Vonn stated. She sought guidance from orthopedic surgeon Tom Hackett and consulted with other professionals in the field, including extreme skier Chris Davenport, who inspired her with his own success after a partial knee replacement.
Despite her thorough preparation, not all responses to her comeback have been supportive. Notable skiing figures, including Olympic champions, have suggested that returning to such a dangerous sport may not be wise. Austrian skier Pirmin Zurbriggen voiced concerns about the risks involved, warning that Vonn could severely injure her knee and jeopardize her ability to enjoy sports in the future.
In response to the negative comments, Vonn took to social media, expressing her fatigue over others predicting the outcome of her career. “Did they all become doctors and I missed it? Because they talk like they know more than the best doctors in the world,” she remarked.
While history shows that no woman over 34 has won a World Cup race, several men have succeeded in the sport past the age of 40. Vonn references Simone Biles, the talented gymnast, who is a prime example of achievement at an older age in sports. Vonn believes her return is not about trying to defy age norms but rather about pursuing her passion in skiing, much like other trailblazing women before her.
As the weekend approaches, Vonn is determined to make her mark once again on the slopes and to show that age doesn’t have to be a barrier in competitive sports.
