On January 20, 2019, the Super G participants’ list in Cortina d’Ampazzo showed a disheartening result. It had a DNF (did not finish) tag beside Lindsey Vonn’s name. Nobody could have thought that one of the greatest American Alpine ski racers would end her World Cup race stint with a DNF tag. Next month, in Sweden, Vonn tried to pull up her boots. But she could only attain the third rank in the downhill race. After that, she bid goodbye to the beautiful sport with tearful eyes. That was the last time she appeared in the World Cup ski races. Now, fast forward to December 2024, Vonn is raring to enter another World Cup ski race at the age of 40! But will it be a smooth run, or is age and a five-year hiatus too much to overcome?

The Minnesota native isn’t sweating the small stuff—or the big questions about her comeback. Lindsey Vonn knew the doubters would line up, but she’s handled it like a champ. Instead of strutting in with her GOAT status, she’s gone back to basics. No diva moves here—just pure grind. She’s been training alongside Team USA’s rising stars, even competing in four FIS races at Copper Mountain, Colorado, to rack up points and prove she still belongs. Her goal? To claw her way back into the FIS Ski World Cup, and now, with enough points under her belt, she’s ready to hit St. Moritz, Switzerland, this weekend for her grand return.

But of course, the questions keep coming: Can she really compete with the younger crowd? Is she still in form? According to Vonn, the answer is a resounding no problem. In a chat with Cara Banks for NBC Olympics & Paralympics, she said, “I have no doubt that I can compete with them. I’ve trained with probably the top ten, top 20, even the top 30 girls for the last few weeks.” Per her, those training schedules boosted her confidence to huddle with younger opponents and sharpened her mastery on the slopes. Certainly, those experiences made her feel the vibes of her early days when she used to reign on the slopes and torment her opponents in the ski races.

In the conversation with Banks, Lindsey Vonn shed some light on that, claiming, “I haven’t really missed anything. I feel like I’m right where I left off and I’m actually healthier now than I was for the last few years of my career and I won a few races in that time.” That’s true. Vonn has found the added motivation to make her comeback just after her right knee replacement surgery this year. In April this year, she underwent the medical process, and ten weeks later, she found herself completely pain-free. Remember, this aching right knee played the Achilles heel for her in the first inning of her career. 

Five years ago, Lindsey Vonn couldn’t take any more of the constant toll her right knee was putting on her. After high-speed crashes and multiple surgeries, it seemed like the end of an era for one of skiing’s greatest. But thanks to her surgery this year, Vonn’s knee has been holding up without a hitch, and her fitness is rock solid. In fact, her practice sessions since August have been paying off in a big way. Proof?

At Birds of Prey in Beaver Creek, the 40-year-old came in as a frontrunner—nothing new for her, but definitely something special. It was a moment that gave her those familiar goosebumps, just like the old days, six years after her last race. She practiced the Birds of Prey downhill course on Saturday and the Super-G track on Sunday, ahead of the other racers, making sure everything was running like clockwork.

Then, like the true pro she is, she gave a scouting report over the radio to the competition, pointing out where to accelerate, where to crouch, and where to ease up. Watching her move through it all, it was hard to believe she’d ever stepped away from the sport. Was it all down to the training? Maybe. But Vonn herself said it best: “I’m not questioning my ability.” And many think that she should not. How?

Lindsey Vonn is already winning hearts even before she starts her World Cup races

Two names have come forward in support of Lindsey Vonn’s comeback. Both of them are Vonn’s long-time friends, Michael Phelps and Sofia Goggia. Among them, Phelps gave the Alpine ski racing legend flowers on December 9 when Vonn confirmed her World Cup race. On that day, the four-time world champion let her fans know about her qualifications for the St. Moritz contest through her Instagram post. Meanwhile, Phelps left a comment under the post. It read, “Yessss!! Have fun out there!!” Nothing could have been better than that small yet motivational message for Vonn. Moreover, Goggia came forward to celebrate Vonn’s comeback. 

In Birds of Prey, the Italian ski racer utilized Lindsey’s notes, given as the frontrunner. Sofia eventually won the Super-G, thwarting every challenge. The moment filled her with joy. Additionally, she didn’t forget to acknowledge her former mate’s contribution. After the race, Goggia shared a moment with her. Also, she shared a few words to celebrate Vonn’s second inning. “I love her. For me, she’s a really important person, ‘She’s so kind,” Goggia added.

She also sounded excited, expecting to see Lindsey as a competitor in the upcoming days. “We shared a lot of races. I’m excited for her to be on the World Cup,” she mentioned. And honestly, it’s not just Goggia who’s excited—the entire Alpine ski racing world is buzzing with anticipation. Isn’t it amazing to see such camaraderie and excitement for Vonn’s return? The slopes are about to get even more thrilling.