82 World Cup victories, four large crystal globes, sixteen small globes, an Olympic title, but an appetite for victory is returning for Lindsey Vonn. Alpine skiing legend, the American announced, Thursday, November 14, her desire to return to the circuit, five years after retiring. A return which inevitably brings to mind that of Marcel Hirscher, but which surprises Luc Alphand, winner of the general classification of the World Cup in 1997.
Franceinfo: sport: At 40, after knee surgery, what can we expect from Lindsey Vonn's return?
Luc Alphand: First, I'm surprised. I try to look at the psychology in this decision, and we wonder what he could be missing, like Marcel Hirscher. They have known glory and they must be missing something. Both stopped for five years, but Marcel stayed in contact with skiing more than Lindsey. She will benefit from the new FIS regulations which allow former champions to return by making them start 31st. But speed is a risky discipline, her knees are already quite affected and she has had surgery. And in this discipline, if you want to win, you have to attack. So I don't really understand. Plus she has a star side, everything works out for her. Coming back to finish 25th is no use, there are risks of injury and for your reputation. But he must be missing the adrenaline.
Can returning to speed events after five years away from the circuit generate apprehension?
I'm less worried because you keep an eye on it, the desire to go fast, this ability to have fun too. On the other hand, you don't have the same thighs. For a skier, the shock absorbers are the legs, there is physical preparation which is very important. Is 40 too old? You have to ask Johan Clarey who quit at 41.
Can she find a place among the new generation of skiers?
We will quickly see that she has the qualities, or at least she had them, and you keep that. But it is on the physical part and on the commitment part that the questions arise, it takes time to build confidence on the skis. She ran with Lara Gut, Sofia Goggia, but these girls stayed in it, there is always this sacred fire.
Has skiing changed in the last five years?
Yes and no. It evolves because it is more and more compact and tighter. If you arrive and take two seconds, you finish 15-20th.
Are the 2026 Olympics a possible goal?
Yes, she will be among the four skiers selected by the US. They have a good team among the women's downhillers, but a girl like her, if she skis for a year, of course she can meet the American criteria, it's largely possible. But is it a purpose to do the Games in order to participate? It's like Marcel Hirscher, he's coming back, he's in the 25-30th, it's already wonderful what he's doing. Afterwards, being in front is another story.
