As the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 approach (starting February 6), two American alpine skiing legends are capturing global attention with stories of unbreakable determination and extraordinary comebacks. Lindsey Vonn, at 41, is making history in her “5th and final Olympics,” while Mikaela Shiffrin, the all-time World Cup wins leader, continues to dominate technical events while navigating personal challenges. Together, they embody resilience in elite sport.
Here are powerful images capturing their journeys:
Vonn’s return has been nothing short of legendary. After retiring in 2019 due to injuries, undergoing partial knee replacement in 2024, and stepping away for nearly six years, she stunned the world by winning her 83rd World Cup race — a downhill in St. Moritz on December 12, 2025 — becoming the oldest skier (man or woman) ever to claim a World Cup victory at age 41. This triumph, her first since 2018, secured her Olympic qualification in downhill and positioned her as a podium threat in speed events.
Vonn has long cited Cortina d’Ampezzo (host of the women’s alpine races) as her motivation: “I don’t think I would have tried this comeback if the Olympics weren’t in Cortina.” With 12 career World Cup wins there and experience as her edge, she’s chasing what could be a historic medal — surpassing the oldest Alpine Olympic medalist record.
Meanwhile, Shiffrin enters her fourth Olympics as the complete package of greatness defined by both medals and resilience. The 30-year-old leads the World Cup standings with dominant slalom performances, including a streak of wins that helped qualify her early. Despite past setbacks — including grief after her father’s 2020 death, a disappointing Beijing 2022, and a scary 2024 crash that raised doubts about her future — Shiffrin has rebounded stronger, focusing on mental strength and her top events: slalom, giant slalom, and possibly the new team combined.
Here are stunning shots of Shiffrin in action this season:
The spotlight on U.S. alpine skiing has shifted beautifully: Vonn’s high-profile comeback shares the pressure with Shiffrin, allowing both to focus on performance. Experts note how Vonn’s presence eases the symbolic weight Shiffrin once carried alone, creating parallel narratives of legacy, longevity, and overcoming adversity.
A dream scenario? The new team combined event could see Vonn (speed specialist) and Shiffrin (technical star) pair up for Team USA — a fitting tribute to two generations of excellence.
Here are rare moments of the two legends together on the slopes:
Vail’s Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin on podium together at …
With the Games just weeks away, Vonn feels “stronger, fitter, and faster,” while Shiffrin aims to “make peace” with the Olympics and add to her medal haul. Their stories inspire millions: proof that resilience, grit, and passion can defy age, injury, and expectation.
The Dolomites await — and the world will be watching these two queens of the slopes make more history. 🇺🇸⛷️
