At 41 years old, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has just punched her ticket to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, marking an unbelievable return to the sport after a five-year retirement!
The three-time Olympic medalist – including gold in downhill at Vancouver 2010 – announced the thrilling news on Instagram, sharing: “OLYMPICS, HERE WE COME!! 🇺🇸⛷️ I have officially qualified for the Olympics in Cortina!!! @teamusa ♥️”
Vonn, who came out of retirement in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement, has dominated the early World Cup season. She’s podiumed in four of five speed races, including a historic downhill win in St. Moritz that made her the oldest skier ever to claim a World Cup victory. Her standout performances secured her spot on Team USA for what she calls her “5th and final Olympics.”
Cortina d’Ampezzo holds a special place in Vonn’s heart – it’s where she earned her first podium, broke records, and feels “like home.” “When I made the decision to return to ski racing, I always had one eye on Cortina because it’s a place that is very, very special to me,” she wrote. “No matter how these games end up, I feel like I’ve already won.”
Vonn promises to “give my absolute best every time I kick out of the starting gate” in the downhill and super-G events. She’s grateful for the season so far but insists, “I am just getting started.”
This comeback story is pure inspiration – age is just a number for the GOAT! 🇮🇹❄️ Who else is pumped to see Lindsey shine one last time? Drop a ❤️ if you’re rooting for her in Cortina!
