Lindsey Vonn could return to the World Cup in December and is reportedly training in Sölden at the moment. A return five years after retirement would be a significant challenge.
This is the crazy information released by the American media Ski Racing a little over 24 hours ago. According to information from journalist Peter Lange, Lindsey Vonn is preparing her return to the World Cup. The American, who completed her last race at the same time as Marcel Hirscher (2019), would be training in Sölden. News that has since been confirmed, since the skier with 82 victories is very well supported in Austria. Its equipment manufacturer Head is present as well as Chris Krause, renowned technician, having had the skis of Lara Gut-Behrami, Bode Miller and Didier Cuche in his hands.
Beaver Creek, New Zealand and titanium knee
The first rumors date from a few weeks ago. Vonn skied in New Zealand with Red Bull and one of her former coaches. It is possible that it is for a photo/video shoot, but not only that. It seems that this is not the case in Sölden and that the emblematic American skier practices rather intensive training. According to the Kronen Zeitung, the US federation supports its ex-champion. The idea is that she does several tests with the Beaver Creek stage and its Birds of Prey (December 14-15), new venue for the Women’s World Cup.
This return is a colossal challenge, much more than that of Marcel Hirscher. Lindsey Vonn spent two decades on the world circuit and had to end her career, despite herself, because of her knee. This was operated on last April and, on the eve of her 40th birthday (October 18), the double world champion has recovered well. Returning to competition with a titanium knee joint would be unprecedented, crazy and perhaps even dangerous.
A major exhibition for alpine skiing
The reports circulating only talk about Beaver Creek, but Lindsey Vonn coming out of retirement would be fantastic news for alpine skiing. Lucas Braathen and his Brazilian project, the legend Marcel Hirscher with the Netherlands and now her. We are talking about a sports star among stars in her country, recognized worldwide, with 2.4 million subscribers on Instagram. The exposure for the discipline would be even broader.
Active off the slopes
Lindsey Vonn has had a rich schedule since leaving competition. Her foundation allows young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to receive scholarships and have access to a mentoring program. The American also committed to the Salt Lake City 2034 candidacy by presenting her journey as an athlete but also new ideas. Present in Paris during the designation, the four-time winner of the big crystal globe presented the sports family village project for these Games in Utah. Which would be a first.
We’re not sure if this is to cover her tracks, but Vonn posted a new post on her social media where she’s in New Zealand. Except that, as said previously, everything suggests that she is in Sölden, training. To be continued.
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