Alpine skiing | Lindsey Vonn will return to the downhill track this weekend, at age 40

For the first time in almost six years, Lindsey Vonn is officially registered for an official alpine ski event taking place this weekend.

Vonn, who is 40, had already announced last month that she would come out of retirement. She will compete in the downhills and super-Gs at an FIS minor circuit at Copper Mountain, Colorado, on Saturday and Sunday, U.S. Alpine Ski Team coach Paul Kristofic confirmed to the Associated Press.

The American must obtain significant results to climb sufficiently in the world rankings to be able to participate in Alpine Skiing World Cup events this season, under new regulations for invited athletes.

“Her track record speaks for itself, and she’s obviously the most successful skier in the group, and she’s done some great things in her career,” Kristofic admitted Wednesday. So it will be very, very fun and interesting to see what she will be able to accomplish. »

Several other World Cup skiers are expected to participate in this stage with Vonn at Copper Mountain.

Vonn is a three-time Olympic medalist, and she won gold in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games.

She was the most successful skier in World Cup history with 82 triumphs until her mark was eclipsed by compatriot Mikaela Shiffrin in January 2023. Shiffrin continues her career and currently has 99 victories – more than anyone in the history of alpine skiing.

Vonn has not competed at a World Cup stage since February 2019, after being affected by a series of injuries that have followed her throughout her career.