Lindsey Vonn is gradually gaining momentum. © Tobias Unterhofer / Social Media

Comeback with bite: Vonn improves

Lindsey Vonn has not yet achieved any top placings since returning from skiing retirement, but has continued to show solid performances.

08 December 2024

From: dpa/tu

In the Super-G races on Sunday in Copper Mountain, the former speed dominator and Olympic champion finished 24th and 19th. The 40-year-old was just over two seconds behind American Lauren Macuga, who was the fastest twice. But Vonn improved at least in terms of placing.

The races in the US state of Colorado were officially classified as FIS events and thus below World Cup level. Nevertheless, numerous top athletes were at the start. In the two downhill races on Saturday, Vonn finished 24th and 27th. These were their first races after 2127 days.

Confidence in the US star

"This is just the beginning and the way I ski is more important than the times right now," Vonn said on social media after her comeback on Saturday. "I'm sure people will speculate and say based on the results that I'm not in top shape, but I disagree. This was training for me."

"This is just the beginning." Lindsey Vonn

Vonn, who suffered from many injuries throughout her career, now rides with an artificial knee joint. Before her retirement in February 2019, the American had won 82 World Cups, Olympic gold in 2010 and two World Championship titles, among other things.

Vonn also wants to compete in World Cup races again this winter. "We'll see when I'm ready," she wrote on X. Most recently, it was said that she wants to compete as a forerunner in the speed events in Beaver Creek next weekend and then in the Super-G races in St. Moritz a week later.