In the high-octane world of alpine skiing, few pairings evoke as much respect and nostalgia as Lindsey Vonn and Aksel Lund Svindal. The American speed queen and the Norwegian “Attacking Viking” dominated the World Cup circuit in the same golden era, pushing boundaries, shattering records, and inspiring a generation—before bowing out together in 2019. Now, in a heartwarming twist, they’re back side by side, with Svindal coaching Vonn toward a fairy-tale Olympic assault in Milano-Cortina 2026.
Their shared history runs deep. Both exploded onto the scene in the mid-2000s, claiming their first overall World Cup titles in the 2007-08 season. Vonn, with her fearless aggression, amassed 82 World Cup wins (second all-time among women), four overall globes, and Olympic gold in downhill (Vancouver 2010). Svindal, the unflappable powerhouse, racked up 36 victories, two overall titles, and Olympic golds in super-G (2010) and downhill (2018).
They trained together in Chile and Colorado, shared sponsors (Head skis), and often sought each other’s advice on equipment and lines. In 2019, fate brought them full circle: both retired at the World Championships in Åre, Sweden—the site of their early breakthroughs—due to persistent injuries. Svindal took silver in his final downhill; Vonn battled through pain for bronze.
But Vonn’s story wasn’t over. After knee replacement surgery, the 41-year-old staged a stunning comeback, and this season, she enlisted her old rival-turned-friend as coach. “There are very few people I trust with line, technique, and equipment—and Aksel is one of them,” Vonn said. Svindal, 42, brings his technical mastery and calm demeanor to the team.
The partnership is already paying dividends. Just days ago in St. Moritz, Vonn stormed to a dominant downhill victory—her first World Cup win in nearly eight years—beating the field by almost a second. At the finish, joy erupted as she celebrated with Svindal, proving age is just a number for these icons.
Svindal in action: pure power on legendary courses like Val Gardena.
From rivals to retirees to coach and athlete, Vonn and Svindal embody the spirit of alpine skiing: relentless, resilient, and forever linked. As Cortina looms, the world watches—two legends, one era, still writing history.
