Lindsey Vonn, a prominent American skier, is embarking on a remarkable journey to compete in the Olympics at the age of 41, marking a return more than 20 years after her initial appearance. Vonn, a decorated athlete in various skiing disciplines, emphasized during the Team USA Olympic Media Summit that she is driven by personal goals rather than external validation.
Having undergone a partial knee replacement in 2024, Vonn’s determination to return to the sport was fueled by the prospect of skiing in Cortina, a significant location in her career where she achieved notable victories. Expressing her sentiment towards Cortina as a special place that holds a unique allure for her, Vonn views the upcoming Olympics as a fitting conclusion to her competitive journey.
Her preparation includes training sessions at Copper Mountain in Colorado and planned races in St. Moritz, Switzerland, with aspirations to compete in multiple events if successful in qualifying. Despite acknowledging her age relative to her peers and the adjustments in her training routine, Vonn remains focused on achieving tangible results rather than merely participating.
Driven by a newfound mental perspective and enhanced physical well-being, Vonn approaches the challenges ahead with a blend of confidence and humility. While external expectations exist, Vonn’s personal standards and drive for excellence remain her primary motivators as she navigates the road to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games.