American skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn has officially qualified for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, capping off a breathtaking return to the sport with a series of dominant performances that have redefined what’s possible in alpine skiing.
The 41-year-old Vonn, who underwent a partial knee replacement and retired in 2019 amid a career plagued by injuries, has roared back to the top of the World Cup circuit this season. Her standout results came across a grueling stretch of races in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Val d’Isère, France, where she delivered four podium finishes in five races – including a historic victory.
On December 12, Vonn claimed gold in the season’s opening downhill in St. Moritz, clocking a commanding time to secure her 83rd career World Cup win. The triumph made her the oldest woman ever to win a World Cup race, surpassing previous records and proving her “bionic” knee is no hindrance.
She followed that up with strong showings the next weekend in Val d’Isère, earning third place in both the downhill and super-G events. Her consistent excellence – with a worst finish of fourth – propelled her to the top of the downhill World Cup standings and locked in her Olympic berth through objective performance criteria set by U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
Vonn emphasized the importance of earning her spot outright, telling the New York Times, “My skiing had to earn this spot, and I’m proud to have done that.” While discretionary selections were available, her results left no doubt.
This will mark Vonn’s fifth Olympic appearance, and she has indicated it could be her last, planning to retire after the 2025/26 season. Yet, with key rivals like Lara Gut-Behrami, Federica Brignone, and Lauren Macuga currently injured, Vonn is well-positioned for a strong showing in Cortina – a venue where she holds 12 career wins – and a potential second Olympic gold medal.
Vonn’s journey from retirement and surgery to Olympic qualification is a testament to resilience, strength, and sheer talent. As she heads into the new year leading the downhill standings, the skiing world is buzzing: this comeback isn’t just big – it’s legendary.
