Injuries in professional sports are more than just physical hurdles—they test an athlete’s mental fortitude, resilience, and resolve. For Lindsey Vonn, the journey back to the slopes after a devastating knee injury was an arduous battle, not just for her body but also for her mind. Her determination, coupled with the support and encouragement of fellow skier Sofia Goggia, became a beacon of hope for her recovery and future.

Vonn’s story of overcoming adversity transcends her own career, offering inspiration to others in the sport, including another skiing icon, Mikaela Shiffrin. Like Vonn, Shiffrin has faced career-threatening injuries that pushed her to the brink. Yet, drawing strength from Vonn’s example, Shiffrin fought back with grit and determination. Both athletes exemplify the warrior spirit, proving that even in the face of immense challenges, comebacks are possible.

“She understands exactly how I feel”: Sofia Goggia

Making a comeback after a five-year hiatus is a monumental challenge, filled with doubts about performance, fears of reinjury, and uncertainty about returning to the same level of greatness. However, when a fellow skier stands by your side, offering unwavering support, that encouragement can be a game-changer. For Lindsey Vonn, that source of inspiration has been Sofia Goggia. Despite battling her setbacks—ending her season prematurely in February due to multiple fractures in her right leg—Goggia has remained a steadfast friend. Speaking to Olympics.com, Goggia revealed, “I’m very close friends with Lindsey; we talk often, and she understands exactly how I feel.”

At 40 years old, Vonn’s return to the snow surprises even herself. Reflecting on her decision, Vonn admitted to NBC, “I always thought [my career] was over.” When she retired in 2019, she described her body as “broken beyond repair.” However, knee replacement surgery brought an unexpected change. “When I got out of surgery, I just felt so good. I had no more pain,” Vonn shared. “All the things that had been bothering me for so many years were suddenly gone, and I thought, ‘OK, well if I feel this good playing tennis and doing all the things I love, what about skiing?’ So I just feel like this is an adventure.” What does Goggia have to say about Lindsey Vonn?

Being one of the top skiing stars, Goggia said, “I think that the people who can fully understand a situation you’re going through are the ones who have already experienced it themselves.” She further added, “And Lindsey, clearly, with the career she’s had, also full of injuries, has been incredibly understanding and, of course, very supportive.” Goggia even shared her excitement to see Vonn back on the snow; she shared her feelings, “When I heard she wanted to come back, I was filled with immense happiness because it means she’s doing well, that she’s back to doing what she loves most, and the idea of possibly sharing something together—a race with great results—brings me joy just thinking about it.” Joining Goggia, Michael Phelps also backed Lindsey Vonn.

But sometimes excitement to see our loved one back in the sport, there is always a worry behind it. Goggia echoed the same sentiment, “At the same time, precisely because I care about her, I’m also slightly, mildly concerned. But it’s the kind of concern we can all have for each other because we’re in a sport that comes with risks.” She further added, “I’ve heard so many people say, ‘She doesn’t know what to do with her life; she has nothing better to do.’ No, the fact is that she truly loves that. Lindsey loves skiing, and so she wants to do this. Let her do it. It’s purely out of her passion.” There are so many legends, and top skiers like Lindsey Vonn, who face so many challenges but have not given up just yet!

Lindsey Vonn has made a comeback with a bang

Mikaela Shiffrin too has been on the shelf several times in her career but has always bounced back with inspiration from Vonn. Shiffrin has faced numerous injuries throughout her career, including a significant knee injury dating back to December 2015 when she sustained a bone bruise. However, in January 2024, Shiffrin was forced to take a break from skiing after suffering a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain and tibiofibular ligament injury in her left knee due to a downhill crash. After a six-week rehabilitation period, she made a triumphant return on March 11, 2024, winning a slalom race in Sweden, marking a remarkable comeback.

Meanwhile, Lindsey Vonn is also on her comeback journey after retiring in 2019. Recently, Vonn competed in several lower-level downhill events in Colorado. She finished 24th in the first race and 27th in the second at Copper Mountain. In super-G races, she placed 24th and 19th. Reflecting on her performances, Vonn described the results as a “solid start” in a post on X, acknowledging that these points are enough to qualify for the World Cup circuit.

Vonn showed her excitement, and how much she was enjoying it.  She said, “I’m really enjoying this journey. No one has ever done this with a knee replacement before, so honestly I don’t know how far I can take it. But so far it’s been incredible. The response has been incredible. And I can tell you I am having so much fun going fast again.” When you make such a comeback, you feel that being in the sport is important, and winning or losing does not matter.

Vonn added, “If I can, let’s see what happens.” She further added, “But I don’t want to put any expectations on it.” With her comeback, she will be the first skier to ski with a knee replacement. Let’s see how Lindsey Vonn’s new journey will take her.