In an exclusive sit-down with CNN Sport’s Coy Wire, skiing icon Lindsey Vonn opened up about her jaw-dropping return to competitive racing after a six-year retirement, describing the journey as a wild “crazy adventure” that’s defied expectations and inspired millions.
Tarvisio, Italy / Worldwide – January 16, 2026 – In an exclusive sit-down with CNN Sport’s Coy Wire, skiing icon Lindsey Vonn opened up about her jaw-dropping return to competitive racing after a six-year retirement, describing the journey as a wild “crazy adventure” that’s defied expectations and inspired millions.
The 41-year-old American superstar, who first stepped away from the sport in 2019 due to chronic knee issues, underwent partial knee replacement surgery in 2024 before launching her stunning comeback in late 2024. Now fully qualified for her fifth Olympic Games at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (February 6–22), Vonn has been rewriting the record books this season — claiming multiple World Cup podiums, including a historic downhill victory in St. Moritz (becoming the oldest skier ever to win a Cup event) and another triumph in Zauchensee.
In the heartfelt CNN interview (3:22 video feature), Vonn reflected on the highs, challenges, and sheer audacity of chasing elite performance at an age when most athletes have long retired. “This entire comeback has been a great way to mentally say goodbye to the sport,” she shared in related comments, though her current form — leading the downhill World Cup standings — has her extending plans to race through the end of the season in March.
Here are powerful action shots capturing Vonn’s fearless speed and precision on the slopes this Olympic season:
Vonn, the only American woman to win Olympic downhill gold (Vancouver 2010), holds the record for most downhill World Cup wins (45) and has already secured her spot on Team USA after a flawless start to the 2025-26 campaign. She’ll compete primarily in downhill and super-G at the Tofane venue in Cortina d’Ampezzo — a mountain where she’s claimed 12 World Cup victories and calls it “home.”
More inspiring views of the comeback queen in full flight:
Lindsey Vonn shines again with second World Cup downhill win of Olympic season
The CNN feature also highlights Vonn’s emotional connection to the Olympics and her goal to inspire others — especially women — to push boundaries at any age. With the Games just weeks away, her story continues to captivate the sports world.
Check out highlights from the exclusive CNN interview with Coy Wire:
Lindsey Vonn reflects on ‘crazy adventure’ back to the slopes | Watch
Photographs courtesy of AFP, Getty Images, AP, and CNN. Lindsey Vonn isn’t just returning — she’s redefining what’s possible. The “crazy adventure” rolls on toward Olympic glory! 🇺🇸⛷️🔥 #VonnComeback #MilanoCortina2026
The 41-year-old American superstar, who first stepped away from the sport in 2019 due to chronic knee issues, underwent partial knee replacement surgery in 2024 before launching her stunning comeback in late 2024. Now fully qualified for her fifth Olympic Games at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (February 6–22), Vonn has been rewriting the record books this season — claiming multiple World Cup podiums, including a historic downhill victory in St. Moritz (becoming the oldest skier ever to win a Cup event) and another triumph in Zauchensee.
In the heartfelt CNN interview (3:22 video feature), Vonn reflected on the highs, challenges, and sheer audacity of chasing elite performance at an age when most athletes have long retired. “This entire comeback has been a great way to mentally say goodbye to the sport,” she shared in related comments, though her current form — leading the downhill World Cup standings — has her extending plans to race through the end of the season in March.
Here are powerful action shots capturing Vonn’s fearless speed and precision on the slopes this Olympic season:
Vonn, the only American woman to win Olympic downhill gold (Vancouver 2010), holds the record for most downhill World Cup wins (45) and has already secured her spot on Team USA after a flawless start to the 2025-26 campaign. She’ll compete primarily in downhill and super-G at the Tofane venue in Cortina d’Ampezzo — a mountain where she’s claimed 12 World Cup victories and calls it “home.”
More inspiring views of the comeback queen in full flight:
Lindsey Vonn shines again with second World Cup downhill win of Olympic season
The CNN feature also highlights Vonn’s emotional connection to the Olympics and her goal to inspire others — especially women — to push boundaries at any age. With the Games just weeks away, her story continues to captivate the sports world.
Check out highlights from the exclusive CNN interview with Coy Wire:
Lindsey Vonn reflects on ‘crazy adventure’ back to the slopes | Watch
Photographs courtesy of AFP, Getty Images, AP, and CNN. Lindsey Vonn isn’t just returning — she’s redefining what’s possible. The “crazy adventure” rolls on toward Olympic glory
