In a story that reads like Hollywood script, Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old American skiing icon, has officially qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking her fifth Olympic appearance spanning an astonishing 24 years.
Vonn, who retired in 2019 after a career plagued by injuries, stunned the sports world by returning to competition in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement surgery. Her goal? One final shot at glory on the slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo – a venue she calls “home” after racking up 12 World Cup victories there.
And she didn’t just return; she dominated. In the 2025-26 World Cup season, Vonn has podiumed in four of her first five races, including a historic downhill win in St. Moritz that made her the oldest Alpine skier ever to claim a World Cup victory. She currently leads the downhill standings, securing her spot on Team USA for the downhill and likely super-G events at the Milano Cortina Games.
“I am honored to be able to represent my country one more time, in my 5th and final Olympics!” Vonn posted on Instagram. “Cortina is the reason. It’s a very meaningful place to me.”
Vonn’s Olympic journey began as a 17-year-old prodigy at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. She went on to claim gold in downhill and bronze in super-G at Vancouver 2010, and another downhill bronze in PyeongChang 2018 – making her one of the most decorated U.S. Alpine skiers ever.
Now, at 41, she’s set to become one of the oldest competitors in Olympic Alpine skiing history, proving age is just a number in a sport dominated by youth.
The women’s downhill in Cortina is scheduled for February 8, 2026, with super-G following on February 12. Fans are already buzzing about a potential dream team-up with Mikaela Shiffrin in the new team combined event.
Who would have thought? Lindsey Vonn is back – faster, fiercer, and ready to write the final chapter of her legendary career on her favorite mountain.026a7e
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