Lindsey Vonn Returns to Competitive Skiing

Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American skier, is making her competitive return at age 40, nearly six years after retiring due to injuries, including a recent knee replacement surgery. She is participating in lower-level FIS races at Copper Mountain, Colorado, aiming to improve her rankings for eligibility in World Cup events under a new wild card rule. Despite the challenges of a long hiatus and injuries, Vonn's training performances have been promising, with experts like Ted Ligety predicting competitive success. Her return has drawn comparisons to other athletes who have competed at high levels beyond traditional retirement age. Vonn's comeback is set against the backdrop of Mikaela Shiffrin surpassing her previous World Cup victory record. This weekend's races mark the first step in her journey back to the World Cup circuit, where she hopes to reclaim her status among the elite in skiing.