Ski queen Lindsey Vonn is under criticism. © Instagram

“Absolute no-go”: Violent attacks against Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn has won everything there is to win in her career. Now the American is attempting a comeback – and is receiving some harsh criticism for it.

31 October 2024

From: det

Marcel Hirscher thrilled the skiing world with his comeback in Sölden last weekend. Lindsey Vonn must also have watched the show with excitement – ​​after all, the American has similar plans.

At the age of 40, the 82-time World Cup winner wants to attempt a comeback. Vonn wants to start as a forerunner at the World Cup races in Beaver Creek in mid-December. If that works out, nothing should stand in the way of a return. And that's despite the fact that Vonn has been using an artificial knee joint since April of this year.

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While Hirscher is being celebrated for his comeback, Vonn is being criticized in some cases. Also because the American is not a technician, but a speed specialist. "It makes a huge difference whether you want to make a comeback in the slalom or giant slalom, or in the downhill and super-G. With the speeds, the jumps and the artificial knee joint, it's tough," says Felix Neureuther to Sport focus im BR

"If she does that, she'll be on the ball." Franz Bracket

Former Olympic champion Franz Klammer is more explicit: "If she really does that, she's on target." The Austrian remembers the legendary Bill Johnson, who also made a comeback at the age of 40, but became a nursing case after a serious accident.

Russi and Wasmeier rumble

The Swiss Bernhard Russi is also not convinced by Vonn’s comeback. “For me it is an absolute no-go,” he told Look. "She has absolutely no chance. And secondly, it is extremely dangerous. Because she was already skiing in an extremely dangerous way when she was still at the peak of her strength. How is that supposed to work today? I hope she thinks again."

“This is bordering on deception.” Markus Wasmeier

German ski legend Markus Wasmeier also lashes out at Vonn. Sport1 says the 61-year-old: "In my opinion, it's just a show. It borders on a joke. It's usually extremely dangerous when you do things like that and then compete in the speed disciplines. To be honest, if you don't stay completely fit, everything won't be as easy for you. You won't be as quick to react as a 25-year-old."

Lindsey Vonn is facing a lot of headwind. But the Olympic gold medalist and world champion will not be defeated by it. Felix Neureuther has already spoken about the case as follows: "If anyone can achieve the seemingly impossible, then it is the one and only Lindsey Vonn."