Lindsey Vonn aims for 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic comeback

Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic downhill champion, is pushing forward with a comeback aimed at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, saying she feels strong after a partial knee replacement and recent World Cup success but still must earn enough points to secure a spot on the U.S. team. Vonn returned to top-level racing last season, reached the World Cup podium in March and plans to race downhill, super-G and the team combined event in February 2026.

Vonn retired from Alpine skiing in 2019 after repeated knee injuries and chronic pain. She underwent a partial right knee replacement in April 2024, then began training and competing again once she felt physically ready. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation introduced a wildcard system in July 2024 that helped make her return feasible. Last March she finished second in a super-G race at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, becoming the oldest woman to podium at a World Cup event, a milestone she described as evidence that she can still compete at a high level.

Despite the podium and renewed confidence, Vonn emphasized that qualification is not automatic. She must accumulate sufficient World Cup points this season...