“I Felt Trapped”: Lindsey Vonn Opens Up About Struggles Before Her Skiing Comeback

Lindsey Vonn’s skiing career seemed to have ended in 2019 after relentless injuries forced her into retirement. Despite multiple knee surgeries and years of chronic pain, the Olympic champion never lost her competitive spirit. In April 2024, she underwent a partial knee replacement, seeking relief rather than a return to racing. However, as her recovery progressed, she rediscovered her love for skiing. By November, she announced her comeback, setting her sights on the World Cup circuit—a decision that shocked the skiing world.

Vonn made her highly anticipated return in St. Moritz on December 21, finishing 14th in the Super-G—an achievement that, while not a podium finish, was a crucial milestone. Weeks later, in St. Anton, she showed glimpses of her former self, hitting speeds of 77 mph and securing a sixth-place finish. Her performance in the Super-G the next day proved she was still a formidable competitor. At the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships, she teamed up with AJ Hurt in the team combined event, finishing 16th—an impressive feat for someone who had spent years away from professional racing.

However, Vonn’s comeback has not been without challenges. On January 26, she suffered a crash during training in Cortina d’Ampezzo but walked away with minor injuries. Now, she sets her sights on more World Cup races, with an even bigger goal in mind—the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, the very slopes where she once triumphed. Whether she makes it to the Olympics or not, her return at 40 stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and an unbreakable love for the sport.