At the age of 41, alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has officially qualified for Team USA at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, marking what she calls her fifth and final Games. The three-time Olympic medalist, who returned to competition after a six-year retirement and partial knee replacement, announced the milestone via social media, celebrating her dominant early-season World Cup performances.
In reflecting on her extraordinary comeback, Vonn offered motivational words to young athletes facing skepticism: “People are going to say you can’t do something. They’re going to doubt you. But if you believe in yourself and you’re willing to put in the work, anything is possible.”
Vonn’s advice underscores the power of perseverance and self-confidence in overcoming criticism and adversity. She encouraged the next generation to block out external noise and stay committed to their ambitions, regardless of age or setbacks.
Her remarkable journey this season backs up the message. Vonn has claimed multiple podium finishes, including a historic downhill victory in St. Moritz—making her the oldest World Cup winner ever—and currently leads the downhill standings. These results not only earned her an Olympic quota spot in downhill (with strong positioning in super-G as well) but also position her as a legitimate medal contender in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a venue where she holds a record 12 World Cup wins.
Vonn’s story of resilience continues to motivate athletes worldwide, proving that determination and hard work can defy expectations and rewrite limits.
