Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated alpine ski racer, has once again made headlines as she is among the 48 athletes nominated to the U.S. Alpine ski team for the upcoming season. While this nomination is a significant acknowledgment of her past achievements, it is essential to understand the challenges she faces before a potential return to the World Cup circuit.
At 41 years old and following a severe injury, Vonn’s journey back to competitive skiing remains uncertain. She is currently at least a year and a half away from even contemplating a return, especially after undergoing ACL surgery. This extensive rehabilitation process has left Vonn at a crossroads, where she is also considering retirement.
The timeline of Vonn’s recovery is daunting. Since her catastrophic crash in the women’s downhill race at the Milan Cortina Games on February 8, she has endured eight surgeries. This accident resulted in a complex tibia fracture that nearly led to the amputation of her left leg. Notably, Vonn competed in that race while nursing a torn left ACL, an injury she sustained in a prior crash leading up to the Winter Olympics.
The nomination process for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team is a procedural step, with official team announcements set for October. Athletes who accept their nominations and meet the necessary qualifications will be confirmed. The World Cup season is set to kick off with a giant slalom race in Söölden, Austria, later in October.
Other notable nominees include Mikaela Shiffrin, the reigning World Cup overall champion, and Breezy Johnson, the Olympic downhill champion. On the men’s side, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who recently captured his second Olympic super-G silver medal in Italy, is also among the nominees. Additionally, Paula Moltzan and Jacqueline Wiles earned their nominations after contributing to an Olympic bronze medal in the women’s team combined event.
Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist, made a remarkable return to the sport in November 2024 after nearly six years away. Her comeback was marked by a partial titanium implant in her right knee, which restored her ability to compete effectively. During the 2025-26 season, she showcased her prowess by winning two World Cup races and securing three podium finishes. However, her ambitions were abruptly halted by the crash at the Olympics, where she ultimately finished fifth.
Despite her impressive legacy, Vonn has expressed that she is not ready to make definitive decisions regarding her future. For now, her focus remains on healing and recovery. Recently, she was seen attending the Met Gala, utilizing a cane as she navigates this challenging phase of her life.
As we look forward to the upcoming ski season, the alpine skiing community watches closely to see if Lindsey Vonn will once again grace the slopes, continuing to inspire fans and athletes alike.
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AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing
