At 41 years old, with a titanium knee and a career forged in triumphs and setbacks, Lindsey Vonn has officially qualified for her fifth Winter Olympics – proving once again that her legacy is far from over.
The American skiing icon, who retired in 2019 after a brutal string of injuries, made a miraculous return to the World Cup circuit this season. What started as a bold comeback has turned into outright dominance: In December 2025 alone, Vonn stormed to four podium finishes in five races, including a historic downhill victory in St. Moritz that marked her 83rd career World Cup win and made her the oldest winner in alpine skiing history.
From tearing up on the podium while calling her dad after that emotional St. Moritz gold, to back-to-back thirds in Val d’Isère (downhill and super-G), Vonn has silenced doubters and topped the downhill standings. Her performances earned her spot on Team USA for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games through sheer results – no discretionary picks needed.
“It was very important to me that I qualified based on my performance this season, and not based on what was done in the past,” Vonn said. “My skiing had to earn this spot, and I’m proud to have done that.”
With rivals sidelined by injuries and Cortina – a hill where Vonn has 12 career wins – awaiting, the stage is set for one final chapter of greatness. Vonn has called this her last season, but her fire on the slopes suggests this legend still has magic left.
A journey built on courage, rebuilt through pain, and defined by unrelenting greatness. Lindsey Vonn’s story isn’t ending – it’s still carving its path forward.
