“Should see a psychologist,” “Does she want to kill herself?” yep, those were the kind of harsh comments Lindsey Vonn faced when she announced her comeback at 40 in November 2024. After going through a brutal knee reconstruction earlier that year, leaving her right knee partially titanium, Vonn thought she’d get some respect for her determination. But instead? The internet had jokes. Fast forward to March 23, 2025—Vonn didn’t just prove them wrong, she shut them all up!

Lindsey Vonn made an epic return at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in Idaho, snagging second place in the Super-G and becoming the oldest woman ever to land on a World Cup podium. When Vonn crossed that finish line, she knew. Arms in the air, the crowd going wild, this was her moment. It wasn’t just about winning a medal. It was about showing everyone that she still had it. And that silver? Her first since stepping back into the sport. But Vonn didn’t keep the celebration to herself.

The very next day, on March 24, she hopped on Instagram and gave her fans a front-row seat to her emotional journey. She posted a series of pics that screamed celebration. The first showed her rocking her USA-themed ski suit with “Sun Valley” across the front, holding her HEAD ski, and flashing that winning smile with her silver medal high in the air. Next up, she’s on the podium, arms raised like a true champ. And then came a shot capturing the pure joy of the moment with the team. And these kinda pics continued.  But honestly, her caption summed it all up perfectly!

“I DID IT!!!! 🥈P2‼️After everything I’ve been through, I fought my way back on to the podium!! I can’t even start to describe what this means to me… I have been overwhelmed with emotion and support from so many people. I want to say thank you to everyone who believed in me! Going to enjoy this moment and reflect. More soon! Sun Valley, you showed up! Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 USA!!!!”

Lindsey Vonn’s words weren’t just a thank you—they were a mic drop. Vonn didn’t just make a comeback. She stormed back, leaving her critics to eat her powder. And now? The haters have gone radio silent. But right after her triumph, she had a heartfelt moment where she broke down in tears!

Lindsey Vonn’s emotional return to the World Cup Podium

After 2,565 days, Lindsey Vonn was back on a World Cup podium, and she couldn’t have asked for a better ending to her season. “This season couldn’t have ended any better,” she told Olympics.com after taking second place in the women’s Super-G. Fighting back tears, Vonn admitted the result gave her a huge confidence boost.

With most World Cup events happening in Europe, this moment felt even more special, especially with Milano Cortina 2026 just around the corner. For Vonn, this wasn’t just about getting back on the podium—it was about proving she still thrives under pressure. “I feel like I ski my best when the pressure is high, and I really wanted to ski well for my family and for the home crowd.”

“It’s been a rough season of people saying that I can’t, that I’m too old, that I’m not good enough anymore. I think I proved everyone wrong,” Lindsey Vonn declared, her confidence shining through. If Vonn qualifies for the 2026 Winter Olympics, it would be her fifth Olympic appearance. Already one of the most decorated skiers in history, with gold in downhill and two bronzes in super-G and downhill across her previous outings, Sunday’s podium finish was more than just a medal. It was a statement that she’s still got what it takes.