The 48th FIS Alpine World Ski Championships is finally here! Starting Tuesday, the 4th of February, Saalbach, Austria, will become the hotspot of elite skiing action. And all eyes will be on Lindsey Vonn. The 40-year-old skiing veteran returned to action after six since she first announced her retirement back in 2019. For obvious reasons, fans were elated by the news and couldn’t wait to celebrate her comeback to the snow. But along with the fervor came harsh criticism. But being the multi-time champ that she is, this wasn’t enough to get her down.

Despite the backlash, Vonn donned her skiing shoes once again. And her return came at the iconic Birds of Prey course in Colorado last December. In the subsequent weeks, she continued to build her mojo as she competed in several races for the 2024/25 FIS Ski World Cup. And now, as Lindsey readies herself for the World Championships, she is looking to finally say her piece to the critics’ sneers.

Lindsey Vonn has had enough of the doubters’ hate

As reported by Fox 5 San Diego on February 3, Lindsey is frustrated by the relentless attacks coming her way. The interview has made it clear that while the legend expected some criticism, the constant hate is too much. She shares, “I don’t think I really deserved the disrespectful comments to the degree that they were given. I of course expected criticism in that, ‘Is my knee safe?’ That’s a valid question.” And her anger is justified. After all, the veteran has given everything for her sport.

“But there were a lot of questions that had to do with me as a person and my psychological state and what life is outside of skiing. And that was completely inappropriate and disrespectful and I didn’t deserve it.” The American skiing sensation noted her disappointment about how Olympic gold medalist Michaela Dorfmeister and Austrian skiing icon Franz Klammer jeered at the former’s comeback prospect.

She also pointed out how the community has been skewed towards different people. Marcel Hirscher returned after five seasons but faced none of this. Lindsey continued, “No one asked Marcel if his life is fulfilled outside of ski racing or if he needed to see a psychologist. That was only directed at me. And that’s pretty (messed) up.” But while haters are always going to be there, Vonn also received tremendous support from her fans and teammates, who lauded her decision to return to skiing with all their hearts.

A passion that never left her side, living its second chapter

Truth be told, Lindsey never left skiing. Instead, even during her retirement years, she was silently fulfilling her dreams. In January last year, Vonn took to social media to share her excitement after skiing down the iconic Streif in Austria. “Never thought I’d get the chance to ski this legendary downhill track in my life,” read her ecstatic note on Instagram.

Probably, that was already a sign that she would want to feel the thrill once again, despite succumbing to injuries in 2019. After a talk with tennis legend Roger Federer, Vonn was sure: that coming out of her retirement was the only logical decision. Reinforced by artificial joints, Vonn showed off her skills in November. Justifiably, the community went ga-ga.

Italian downhill specialist Sofia Goggia was elated: “It would be great to race in the World Cup with my idol,” she said before the 2024/25 World Cup kicked off. “I would just say good luck; I mean, I wish her the best,” 99x World Cup winner and Vonn’s titular teammate Mikaela Shiffrin extended her well wishes.

Now, Vonn stands on the cusp of history: she will be the oldest alpine skier ever to compete at the FIS Ski World Championships at the age of 40! What about you? How do you think Lindsey Vonn will fare in Austria, especially after her fall in Cortina, Italy, in late January? Tell us in a comment!