Lindsey Vonn is gearing up for her final hurrah in the world of ski racing. The legendary athlete, who came out of retirement last month at the age of 40, has announced plans to hang up her skis for good after competing in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Vonn’s decision to retire again is largely driven by her desire to go out on a high note. She’s always been passionate about competing at the highest level, and the Olympics provide the perfect stage for her to showcase her skills one last time. Plus, the fact that the women’s races will be held on one of her favorite courses in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, makes it an even more appealing swan song.
Vonn’s comeback has been nothing short of remarkable. After nearly six years in retirement, she returned to the circuit with a newfound appreciation for the sport and a fresh perspective. Her recent performances have been impressive, with a sixth-place finish in St. Anton, Austria, and a fourth-place finish in the same location just a week later.
Despite her impressive comeback, Vonn is aware that she’s not getting any younger. She’s had to deal with her fair share of injuries over the years, including a titanium knee replacement. However, she’s determined to push through the pain and make it to the Olympics one last time.
Vonn’s legacy in the world of ski racing is already cemented. She’s a three-time Olympic medalist, including a gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games. She’s also a 12-time World Cup winner in Cortina, a record that’s unlikely to be broken anytime soon .
As Vonn prepares for her final Olympics, she’s drawing inspiration from other athletes who have defied age and convention to achieve greatness. Tom Brady’s Super Bowl win at 43, Lewis Hamilton’s continued dominance in Formula 1 at 40, and Serena Williams’s impressive run to the semifinals of the Australian Open at 39 are all testaments to the fact that age is just a number .
Vonn’s retirement plans may be set in motion, but she’s not ready to ride off into the sunset just yet. She’s got one last Olympics to conquer, and she’s determined to make it a memorable one.
