Lindsey Vonn remains hopeful for the 2026 Winter Olympics despite not medaling at the recent Alpine Ski World Championships. The 40-year-old athlete, who returned to competitive skiing after a six-year break, reflects on her journey, highlighting the need for further training and equipment adjustments. Vonn embraces the challenges ahead, confident in her physical and mental preparation, and remains undeterred by criticism. With a positive outlook, she aims to demonstrate her enduring talent on the slopes.
Lindsey Vonn’s Journey Towards the 2026 Olympics
Despite not clinching a medal at the recent Alpine Ski World Championships, Lindsey Vonn remains optimistic about her future. The 40-year-old athlete is determined to pursue her ultimate goal of competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. In a candid interview with Blickpunkt Sport, Vonn discusses her comeback and the challenges she faces.
Training and Preparation for Success
Finishing in 15th place in the downhill and being eliminated in the Super-G may not have met her expectations, but Vonn believes she is on the right track. After a six-year hiatus, she made her return to competitive skiing in January at the World Cup in St. Anton. “I’m already in good shape. My skiing is already there. But not everything fits together one hundred percent yet,” Vonn expressed. She emphasizes the need for additional training, particularly in strength and power, as well as adjustments to her equipment.
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Vonn recalls her remarkable achievements, including 82 World Cup victories, an Olympic downhill gold medal, and multiple world championships. She acknowledges that many aspects of her game have changed since her retirement in 2019, but she remains focused on her goal. “The boots are brand new, totally different than before. There’s still time, there’s a year until the Olympics,” she noted, showcasing her readiness to adapt and improve.
Initially, Vonn’s plan was to serve as a pace setter at the World Championships and return to the World Cup a year later. However, she has exceeded her own expectations by competing this season. “I’m far, far ahead, much more than I ever dreamed,” she shared. Vonn feels mentally and physically prepared, stating, “I’m fit and healthy. I have no pain and I can do what makes me happy.”
While her comeback has garnered mixed reactions, Vonn acknowledges the criticism she has faced, especially regarding her artificial knee joint. “I saw some people who said something here at the World Championships, but no one apologized. That was very disrespectful,” she remarked. Nevertheless, Vonn remains undeterred. “I’m happy, so why shouldn’t I do it?” she questioned, drawing strength from her role as an inspiration to others.
With her unwavering positive attitude, Vonn continues to defy the naysayers. “Many people said that I couldn’t win, even when I was young. But I still made it because I believed in myself. And now it’s the same again: They say I have no chance, all blah blah blah,” she stated confidently.
Even without a medal to show for her efforts at the World Championships, Lindsey Vonn is resolute in her quest. As she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, she aims to prove that she can still achieve greatness on the slopes.