Lindsey Vonn Plans Olympic Comeback at 40 for Milan-Cortina 2026

Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American skier, is making a notable comeback to competitive skiing aiming for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina after retiring in 2019. Having undergone a partial knee replacement in 2024, Vonn reports feeling physically better than during her last Olympic competition seven years ago, which has significantly improved her fitness and confidence. She has already participated in the 2024/25 Alpine Skiing World Cup, achieving a podium finish with a silver in the Super-G finals, marking her as the oldest alpine skier to podium at this level. Vonn expressed excitement about returning to a sport she loves and emphasized her focus on enjoying the Olympic experience rather than expectations of victory. Despite concerns about climate change impacting snow conditions at Cortina, Vonn is confident in the venue's ability to provide excellent race conditions, a sentiment echoed by fellow American athlete Chloe Kim. Alongside her skiing pursuits, Vonn has remained active in the sports community, including hosting events and engaging in discussions promoting women in sports.