.jpg)
16 hours ago
1
One of the USA's most recognizable winter athletes is back — and she might be an Olympian again in 2026.
Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn announced the end of a nearly six-year retirement, restarting a career that saw her compete in four Olympics and win three medals. Vonn also won gold at the World Championships twice and took eight World Cup titles in downhill competition.
Major injuries forced Vonn out of competition in 2019, so what brought her back to the sport all these years later?
Here's what you need to know about Vonn's decision to come out of retirement.
MORE: Why viral Olympic breakdancer Raygun is retiring
What happened to Lindsey Vonn?
Vonn is rejoining the USA Ski Team in Colorado after successful knee surgery left her healthy enough to end her retirement.
It wasn't a brief retirement for Vonn by any means; she stepped away in February 2019 at 34 years old, citing injuries that took a toll on her body. Knee issues were the driving force behind her decision, but she is now seven months removed from a partial knee replacement that has alleviated her problems.
"Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey," Vonn said in a statement announcing her decision.
In addition to knee troubles that were the result of multiple major injuries, Vonn dealt with fractures in her arm and ankle during her career, as well as a significant back injury suffered in 2017.
The 2026 Winter Olympics aren't necessarily Vonn's main goal, as she is focused on getting back into World Cup events, but the games haven't been ruled out, either. She told the New York Times that she's keeping her options open.
"I don't know what the next few months and the next year and a half hold for me," Vonn said, adding that she has "always enjoyed racing in Cortina." The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
Based on history alone, Vonn will have to beat the odds to get there. She became the oldest woman to win an alpine skiing medal at the Olympics in 2018 at age 33, while Italy's Federica Brignone just became the oldest woman to win a skiing World Cup event at age 34 in October.
Vonn already turned 40, so she would be defying the odds just by competing in either setting.
MORE: Updated scores for Ilona Maher, Danny Amendola and more from 2024 DWTS
How old is Lindsey Vonn?
Vonn turned 40 in October and will be 41 when the 2026 Winter Olympics arrive.
Lindsey Vonn net worth
Vonn has an estimated net worth of $14 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
While skiing itself has been profitable for her, Vonn has likely made the bulk of her money through her many endorsement deals. The former gold medalist is one of the most recognizable winter athletes in American history, and she has a longstanding partnership with Under Armour in addition to other major brands such as Rolex and Red Bull.
English (US)