Lindsey Vonn: American on skiing comeback who ‘exceeded’ her expectations and could be headed to the Olympics

After leaving the sport, Vonn focused on her foundation and business as well as learning to flyboard, wakeboard and play tennis.

But, still experiencing pain, he decided to undergo surgery on his right knee.

“I’m doing more therapy in retirement than when I was running,” Vaughn said.

“I did it for my own longevity, for my own well-being. That was my motivation – to be pain-free and live the life I tried to create for myself.”

The surgery went well and Vaughn was loving her life, but something was missing. It was the discussion of fast skiing again.

“Life as a ski racer is very simple,” he said. “You work hard, you do the right things, and when you’re at the starting gate you just want to go fast. I missed that.”

Vonn asked her surgeon how far she could push her knee and at what level she could consider competing again.

“They told me it was up to me,” Vaughn said. “He said if it doesn’t hurt and feels good, the titanium knee won’t go anywhere.

“Obviously, there are other risk factors. I have other ligaments, it’s like a normal knee. “Things can go wrong, but the titanium knee component is indestructible.”

Vonn competes in Cortina, Italy on Saturday and Sunday and it’s a hill she knows very well, having won 12 World Cup races there – the last in 2018.

She crashed during training on Thursday but dismissed any injury concerns.

“I’m really excited to be back here,” Vaughn said.

“I’ve been watching videos of past races. They’ve been very meaningful to my life. This means a lot to me. I’m just here, enjoying.”

The course surprisingly also hosts the women’s race at the 2026 Winter Olympics which are just a year away.

Vonn isn’t looking too far ahead to a fifth Winter Games, having played almost a quarter century since her first Winter Games in 2002.

“I don’t think this weekend’s results mean anything for the next Olympics,” he said.

“It (the Olympics) depends on whether I can stay healthy, figure out my equipment, can I maintain this level of skiing for another year? I don’t know the answer to these questions. Is.

“I’m going to enjoy this weekend like it’s the last time I’m skiing here and we’ll see what each day brings.”

If Vonn is successful in registering a World Cup win, she will comfortably become the oldest man or woman to do so.

She said, “My new knee has given me a second chance. Life is short so I’m going to take it.”