In a challenging turn of events, renowned American skier Lindsey Vonn is combating what seems to be a cold or the flu as she gears up for her much-anticipated return to competitive skiing at the age of 40. The seasoned athlete, who is a two-time world champion with an impressive tally of eight medals from world championships, is feeling under the weather just before she participates in the super-G event at the world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.
Expressing her concerns through an audio statement, Vonn revealed, “I definitely have a cold or the flu or something. Yesterday afternoon I started to really not feel well. Trying to do everything I can to recover.” Her commitment to overcoming her illness is palpable as she attempts to regain her strength and perform at her best during the competition.
On her social media account, Vonn shared a candid moment with her followers by posting an image of herself wearing a mask and inhaling what is presumed to be medication or a remedy. She captioned the image, “Current state...could be better,” offering a glimpse into her current challenges while maintaining a positive outlook.
Despite her health setback, Vonn remained active by participating in the downhill training session on Wednesday, where she finished 29th. Reflecting on her performance, she noted the noticeable dip in her energy levels, especially towards the lower part of the course. “Today’s training was fine. Definitely lacked energy, especially on the bottom of the course, but hopefully I can rest the rest of today and be ready for the super-G tomorrow,” Vonn stated with resilience.
Set to wear the No. 30 bib number, Vonn will face fierce competition in the super-G event. Wednesday's training session was led by Austrian skier Mirjam Puchner, while Vonn's American teammate, Breezy Johnson, showcased her skills by finishing second for the second consecutive day, promising a strong showing for the U.S. team.
The upcoming races, including the downhill event on Saturday and the team combined event next week, are pivotal moments for Vonn as she seeks to make a triumphant return to the world championship stage. Despite the hurdles posed by her illness, her determination and passion for the sport continue to shine through. Leveraging her wealth of experience and fighting spirit, Vonn aims to overcome this temporary setback and seize success at the grand stage of skiing.
