Lindsey Vonn, the iconic American skier, is not only focusing on her specialties in downhill and super-G as she sets her sights on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. At 41, Vonn is aiming to compete in the new team combined event, a category she recently embraced at the World Championships, despite her push to partner with fellow skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin not coming to fruition.
Vonn expressed her excitement about being part of a team, a novel experience for her at the world championships and Olympics. 'I've always loved the combined as an individual event,' she remarked, underscoring her enthusiasm for the team aspect now that the individual combined category is no more. Despite finishing 16th alongside AJ Hurt, she remains eager and optimistic about future opportunities to team up with various skiers, should she qualify for this event's Olympic debut.
The team combined event pairs two racers where one takes on a downhill course while the other navigates a slalom track. Their combined times dictate the team's final standings, adding a thrilling and strategic layer to the competition. Meanwhile, Shiffrin and Vonn hold the highest number of victories in female World Cup history, with Shiffrin at 99 and Vonn at 82. Vonn's record in downhill races and Shiffrin's slalom success highlight their prowess in the sport.
Vonn candidly acknowledged the unique prospect of boasting a combined 181 wins as a duo. However, she humbly admitted, 'If you're looking at what's best for the team, it's not me right now. That doesn't mean that next year things might change.'
Her recent performance in the World Championships showcased some challenges. Vonn placed 21st in the downhill portion, hindered by a significant 2.51-second gap from the leader, Lauren Macuga. Earlier mishaps, including being disqualified from the super-G due to a gate issue, reflect the hurdles she's facing upon returning to competitive skiing with a new titanium knee after nearly six years of retirement.
Transitioning back hasn't been seamless. Her former ski technician, Heinz Haemmerle, retired, leading Vonn to work with Chris Krause, followed by Rene Meusburger due to Krause's illness. Vonn discussed the potential return of Haemmerle, considering he recently suffered a serious leg injury. She praised her current collaboration with Meusburger as promising, highlighting the synergy between the seasoned wisdom of Haemmerle and the youthful dynamism of Meusburger.
While equipment adjustments are ongoing, Vonn is already planning an intense testing schedule to refine her setup. This includes potential sessions on European glaciers and in South America or New Zealand. 'It's going to be full throttle spring and summer to really get things going,' she stated, projecting a busy off-season dedicated to restoring her competitive edge.
Post-world championships, Vonn is engaged with educational endeavors in Switzerland at the Aiglon ski academy, before heading home to Miami. She is slated to return to racing in Norway's Kvitfjell by the month's close. Her ultimate ambition circles back to the 2026 Olympics, where Vonn aims for a glorious run before retiring for the second time. Her illustrious history at Cortina d'Ampezzo, the venue for women's skiing, adds a personal layer to her comeback aspirations.
Despite facing numerous hurdles, including overcoming knee surgery and age-related challenges, Vonn remains determined. She emphasizes the need for patience as she works to align her high expectations with her physical capabilities. 'I just need time to put all the pieces together,' she reflected, reinforcing her commitment to making a triumphant return to the Olympic stage.
