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30-Second Take
- Olympic legend Lindsey Vonn announces stunning return to World Cup skiing
- First major competition since retirement in February 2019
- Revolutionary knee replacement enables comeback at age 40
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
Three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn is mounting a historic comeback to World Cup skiing at age 40. Following her April 2024 partial knee replacement, she’ll compete in super-G events at St. Moritz on December 21-22, marking her first major races since 2019.
Core Players
- Lindsey Vonn – Three-time Olympic medalist, 82 World Cup victories
- U.S. Ski Team – Supporting Vonn’s comeback bid
- St. Moritz World Cup – Hosting Vonn’s return races
Key Numbers
- 82 – Career World Cup victories
- 5 – Previous wins at St. Moritz
- 2.19 seconds – Gap behind leaders in recent qualifying races
- 2,167 days – Time between retirement and comeback
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The Catalyst
“I’m really freaking close,” Vonn said after qualifying races at Copper Mountain. This breakthrough followed her successful knee replacement surgery in April 2024.
The surgery’s success prompted her unexpected return to competitive skiing.
Inside Forces
Vonn completed qualifying races at Copper Mountain, finishing mid-pack but securing enough points for World Cup entry.
She’s been training extensively, including serving as a forerunner at Beaver Creek World Cup races.
Power Dynamics
Her return impacts the competitive landscape of women’s skiing, where Mikaela Shiffrin now holds the all-time wins record.
The U.S. Ski Team gains a powerful veteran presence for the 2024-25 season.
Outside Impact
Vonn’s comeback demonstrates the advancing possibilities in sports medicine and athlete longevity.
Her return generates renewed interest in World Cup skiing among American audiences.
Future Forces
Key developments to watch:
- Performance at St. Moritz super-G events
- Potential expansion to other World Cup venues
- Impact on 2025 World Championship plans
Data Points
- Feb 2019: Last World Cup competition
- April 2024: Partial knee replacement surgery
- Dec 2024: Copper Mountain qualifying races
- Dec 21-22: Scheduled St. Moritz return
Vonn’s historic return to World Cup skiing represents both a personal triumph and a milestone moment for alpine sports, potentially reshaping expectations for athlete comebacks.
