Lindsey Vonn: Triumph Over Time in Alpine Skiing
Vail, Colorado, 11 January 2026 – Lindsey Vonn, the American alpine skiing icon, has defied the odds with her sensational return to competitive skiing, culminating in a historic victory at the 2025 World Championships. At 41, Vonn continues to inspire with her resilience, having overcome numerous injuries to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born Lindsey Caroline Kildow on 18 October 1984 in St Paul, Minnesota, Vonn began skiing at age three, influenced by her father, a former competitive skier. She moved to Vail, Colorado, at 12 and quickly excelled, becoming the first American woman to win the Trofeo Topolino slalom in Italy at 14. Vonn made her World Cup debut in 2000 and claimed her first victory in downhill at Lake Louise, Alberta, in 2004. Her breakthrough came in the 2007-08 season, when she won her first overall World Cup title, marking the start of a dominant era.
Olympic Achievements and World Records
Vonn competed in four Winter Olympics, earning three medals: gold in downhill at Vancouver 2010, becoming the first American woman to do so, and bronzes in super-G at Vancouver and downhill at PyeongChang 2018. She also amassed eight World Championship medals, including golds in downhill and super-G in 2009. With 82 World Cup victories (now surpassed by Mikaela Shiffrin), Vonn held the women’s record for most wins until 2023. Her 43 downhill wins remain the most in any discipline by a skier, male or female.
Challenges and Comeback
Injuries plagued Vonn’s career, including multiple knee surgeries and fractures, forcing her retirement in 2019. However, after a partial knee replacement in 2024, she announced her return. In December 2024, she finished 14th in her comeback super-G, and in March 2025, she secured second place in the Sun Valley super-G, her first podium in over seven years. This paved the way for her 2025 World Championships performance, where she competed in downhill and super-G, showcasing her enduring speed.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Medals | 3 (1 gold, 2 bronze) |
| World Cup Wins | 82 (43 downhill, 28 super-G) |
| World Championship Medals | 8 (2 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze) |
| World Cup Titles | 4 overall, 8 downhill, 5 super-G, 3 combined |
| Age at Comeback Victory | 41 (oldest woman to win a World Cup downhill) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Lindsey Vonn’s return to skiing?
After years of debilitating knee pain, Vonn underwent a successful partial knee replacement surgery in April 2024. Pain-free for the first time in years, she rejoined the U.S. Ski Team in November 2024, driven by her passion for the sport and desire to compete at the highest level again.
How does Vonn’s comeback compare to other athletes?
Vonn’s return mirrors legends like Michael Jordan and Tom Brady, who came back after retirements. At 41, she became the oldest woman to win a World Cup downhill in December 2025, surpassing previous records and proving age is no barrier in alpine skiing.
What are Vonn’s off-slope endeavours?
Beyond skiing, Vonn founded the Lindsey Vonn Foundation to empower girls through sports scholarships. She authored bestsellers like “Strong Is the New Beautiful” and “Rise: My Story,” hosted a reality show, “The Pack,” and invested in women’s sports, including the Utah Royals in the National Women’s Soccer League.