- More Sports. Jordan Chiles' fans flood the internet demanding the return of her Olympic medal: "She did nothing wrong"
- Golf. Caitlin Clark jokes about urgency to deliver basketball to Nelly Korda
Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated skiers in history, has announced her return to competitive skiing after retiring in 2019.
In an interview with the New York Times on Thursday, the 40-year-old Olympic gold medalist confirmed her decision to re the sport following a successful knee replacement surgery earlier this year.
Vonn still gaining speed after surgery
Vonn explained that the return wasn't part of her original plan, but after recovering from the surgery, she reconsidered.
"I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself because I have quite a few hoops to jump through," she said.
"Obviously, I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't hope to be racing. I have aspirations. I love to go fast. How fast can I go? I don't know."
The last time Vonn competed professionally was in February 2019, at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Sweden, where she took home a bronze in the women's downhill event.
At that time, injuries were a constant battle, ultimately prompting her to step away.
"Over the past few years I have had more injuries and surgeries than I care to it," Vonn shared in her 2019 retirement announcement.
"I have always pushed the limits of ski racing, which has allowed me to have amazing success but also dramatic crashes."
Vonn looking forward to Milan-Cortina Games
Her return marks an extraordinary step in an already remarkable career.
Vonn's competitive record includes 82 World Cup victories-more than any woman skier before her-and three Olympic medals, including a gold in the 2010 downhill event.
Now, with the pain in her knee finally relieved, she's embracing a new chapter with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard welcomed her back, highlighting her influential role in the sport.
"Lindsey has made an indelible mark on alpine skiing," said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
"We're excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here."
For Vonn, skiing pain-free is an exciting, liberating experience.
Reflecting on her first time back on the slopes since her surgery, she said, "I had a smile so wide it was coming through the back of my helmet."
Now, her focus is set on seeing just how far she can push her limits as she aims for the 2026 Winter Olympics.