Editor’s note: Lindsey Vonn is a former Olympic alpine skiing champion and eight-time World Cup downhill season champion. With less than a year to go until the 2026 Olympics, she writes about her return to the sport at age 40 and her thoughts on possibly ending her career at the upcoming Games. The women’s competition there will be in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where Vonn has won a record 12 times on the World Cup tour.
By Lindsey Vonn
I’ve always loved a challenge. My journey back to competitive skiing has been driven by my love of the sport, going fast, and the exhilaration that drew me to the slopes. Cortina, Italy, is a special place to me. It’s where I first realized my potential to win, and the mountains there have always felt like home to me. With next year’s Olympic Games being held in Cortina and Milan, I am eagerly awaiting the chance to once again compete in the Olympics and am excited that they happen to be somewhere that has been so special to me.
My motivations today are exactly what they were when I was a child: a deep love for skiing, speed, and competition, the very things that made me fall in love with the sport. Thanks to skiing, I’ve been fortunate enough to build an incredible life, and even though I had the most amazing and rewarding time building my foundation and businesses, nothing compares to the joy I feel whenever I’m on the slopes.
Retiring from the sport in 2019 was not so much a choice as a necessity. I had accumulated too many injuries, my body was no longer cooperating, and my right knee was shot. It was devastating to leave the sport I loved so much, but I knew it was the only choice for the sake of my physical wellness.
I got my partial knee replacement last year so I could keep exploring, stay active, play tennis, and pursue all the adventures I’d always envisioned for myself, but I never imagined it would bring me back to competition. Once I realized just how well my new knee was functioning, I couldn’t help but wonder how far I could push it. With extensive consideration and clearance from my medical team, I embarked on this path. I went into this with low expectations, but with so much joy, and each step forward has pleasantly surprised me — and most importantly, I am having fun.
Lindsey Vonn races in a World Cup downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, last month. She hopes to return next February for the 2026 Olympics. (Mattia Radoni / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ski racing remains a dangerous sport. Whether I’m in my 20s, my 30s, or my 40s — and whether my knee is replaced or not — the risk is always there. Anyone willing to point their skis downhill at 80 miles per hour accepts that reality. But I feel healthier and stronger now than I did at the end of my career.
Considering how well the season has gone and how my body feels, I’m encouraged enough to say I want to be a part of Milano-Cortina 2026 next year.
Cortina is a place where everything came together for me: It’s where I learned to piece together a race, climb onto a podium, and, most importantly, the moment I realized I was capable of winning. My mindset hasn’t changed much since my first podium there in 2004. I’ve always felt a special connection with that mountain — like I could see the right line, understand its demands, and do what it takes to succeed. I’ve made countless wonderful memories in Cortina.
It’s also one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited, and I believe it will be an excellent Olympic host. Paris last summer revived a global passion for the Games, captivating audiences in a fresh way. I’m confident that Cortina will keep that momentum going and spark new enthusiasm for winter sports.
I also look forward to seeing Milano-Cortina 2026 as a watershed moment for women, with the anticipated highest-ever female participation at a Winter Games, I heard around 47 percent. The Olympics serve as a stage to promote many progressive ideas, drive change, and set the tone for how the rest of the world approaches gender equality. People worldwide look to the Games as a beacon of unity, hope, pride, and inspiration, so having nearly equal representation sends a powerful message. The Olympics have the power to inspire change and set new standards. Kids will see the athletes and dream bigger because of it.
I believe Milano-Cortina 2026 will face fewer obstacles than most. While Milan isn’t particularly close to Cortina, I’m confident every venue will make the journey worthwhile. Athletes will stay where they compete, so travel for us won’t be an issue. My hope is for spectators to experience these distinct locations, taking in the breathtaking Dolomites and everything else Cortina and these Games will offer.
(Top illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; photo: Johann Groder / Getty Images)
