Two months after announcing her surprise return to competitive skiing, Lindsey Vonn made a remarkable comeback to the World Cup downhill slopes in St. Anton, Austria. The 40-year-old U.S. Olympian, who had been away from the sport for six years, finished an impressive sixth place in her first World Cup competition since her retirement.
Vonn’s Return to the Slopes
Vonn’s return to the World Cup circuit was nothing short of remarkable. Despite a six-year hiatus, she demonstrated incredible speed and agility, reaching a peak speed of 77 mph during the downhill event. Although she ultimately finished 0.58 seconds behind the winner, Italy’s Federica Brignone, Vonn’s performance was a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to the sport.
A Promising Start
Vonn’s sixth-place finish was a promising start to her comeback, and she was characteristically candid about her performance. “That was fun,” she told broadcaster Eurosport, while acknowledging that she could still improve. “I still made a couple of mistakes. I know I can be faster.” Vonn’s self-awareness and determination to excel are hallmarks of her illustrious career, and her fans will be eagerly anticipating her next competition.
A New Chapter in Vonn’s Career
Vonn’s return to competitive skiing is a remarkable chapter in her already illustrious career. Her decision to come out of retirement was “amazing and definitely not planned,” as she revealed in an interview with The New York Times in November. Vonn’s successful right-knee replacement surgery has given her a new lease on life, and she is clearly relishing the opportunity to compete at the highest level once again.
The Road Ahead
As Vonn looks ahead to her next competition, the super-G event on Sunday, January 12, she is filled with a sense of confidence and anticipation. Despite acknowledging that she feels more comfortable on the downhill than the super-G, Vonn is eager to take on the challenge and continue her remarkable comeback. With her trademark determination and passion, Lindsey Vonn is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of skiing once again.
