by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- While fans erupted with excitement at the mention of her name over the loudspeakers at St. Anton's racecourse in the Austrian Alps, Lindsey Vonn remained characteristically composed, approaching her return with analytical pragmatism.
"To be able to ski competitively again without pain has been an unbelievable journey," the 40-year-old American skier said, reflecting on what may be one of the most extraordinary comebacks in winter sports history, something even the 2010 Olympic gold medalist could scarcely have predicted. "I'm getting closer and closer, step by step."
Just three weeks ahead of the FIS World Championships in Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria, the dark days of her career-ending injuries of six years ago now seem like a distant memory. After placing 14th in the Super-G at St. Moritz in December 2024 and following up with sixth and fourth-place finishes in the downhill and Super-G in St. Anton, Vonn's unexpected resurgence could force history books to be rewritten.
When she retired in 2019, Vonn candidly admitted that her body was "broken beyond repair." However, a partial knee prosthesis in April 2024 dramatically changed her trajectory. Despite skepticism and criticism, the 82-time World Cup winner quietly began working on a comeback-first in private, then in the public eye.
"Men race downhill well into their 40s. Just because women haven't done it yet doesn't mean we can't," Vonn declared confidently. "If someone says I can't achieve what I set my mind to, that's not my problem."
Her return has not been without its challenges. Starting races with high bib numbers means contending with deteriorated course conditions, yet Vonn has proven she still has what it takes. "I'm not old," she quipped with a broad smile, adding that without ambition, she would not have endured the rigorous effort required to return to top-level competition.
With her impressive sixth-place finish in her first downhill race since March 2018, Vonn indicated that she's far from finished. "There's more to come," said the four-time overall World Cup champion. After narrowly missing the podium in Sunday's Super-G, she humorously promised to celebrate the occasion with a vodka.
Despite competing against rivals nearly two decades younger, Vonn feels tactically sharp. "I still know where to push and where to ease up," she explained, though she acknowledged that improving her physical condition remains a key focus. "This was another important step."
As her competitors marveled at her astonishing return and fans erupted into frenzied celebrations, Vonn urged everyone to focus on what lies ahead rather than dwell on how long it has been since her last podium appearance. "Forget how long it's been since my last win-it's time to look forward. I'm so happy," she said, capping off what felt like a fairytale moment in Austria's picturesque snow-covered landscape. ■
