Lindsey Vonn returns to the podium, defying age and doubt
- Lindsey Vonn returned to the World Cup circuit and secured a podium finish, marking her first since retirement.
- She became the oldest female Alpine skier to place on the World Cup podium, showing remarkable perseverance.
- Vonn aims to inspire older female athletes to pursue their passions regardless of age.
In March 2025, American skier Lindsey Vonn made headlines by securing a podium finish at the World Cup finals in super-G, after coming out of retirement. This event took place in an exciting and competitive atmosphere as athletes gathered for the finals, marking a significant achievement for Vonn, who had been away from the sport for several years due to injuries. Remarkably, she became the oldest female Alpine skier to achieve this feat, surpassing the previous record by six years. Vonn's return followed a successful partial knee replacement surgery, which took place in April 2024. Her journey back was filled with challenges, including adjusting to new equipment and coaches. Vonn, who retired in February 2019, initially believed that her skiing career was over. However, her passion for the sport drove her to attempt a comeback despite suffering from doubts regarding her strength and skills. During the season, she experienced fluctuations in weight and physical fitness, making it difficult to regain her former competitive edge. In speaking about her experience, Vonn expressed profound emotional relief and joy at standing on the podium again, emphasizing it as a validation of her efforts against expectations. The significance of her comeback extends beyond personal achievement; Vonn hopes to inspire other women, particularly those over 40, to pursue their passions without being defined by their age. Throughout her career, she has been a powerful advocate for women's sports, and her recent podium finish serves as a testament that determination can defy the barriers set by age and expectations. Additionally, Lindsey pointed out her intention to compete in the upcoming Olympics, sparked by the motivation she feels after her recent success. Vonn is not alone in her beliefs about pushing past the fear of failure. Her friend and fellow skier, Eileen Gu, also embraces the idea of resilience in sport. Having become the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing at just 18, Gu recognizes the motivations behind overcoming failures and stresses the importance of trying regardless of the outcome. Together, they set an inspiring example for women in sports, focusing on persistence and the drive to succeed despite setbacks.