Billie Jean King, Allyson Felix, and other athletes praise Lindsey Vonn as she reflects on her first World Cup race since comeback

Former tennis world No.1 Billie Jean King, star sprinter Allyson Felix, and other athletes admired Lindsey Vonn on her return to skiing after last having competed six months before. Vonn bid adieu to her beloved sport after navigating a series of multiple injuries only to make the return this year.

She announced her return on November 14, 2024, before the commencement of the 2024-25 Alpine Skiing World Cup season. Having made her comeback, the 40-year-old competed in the World Cup event on December 21, 2024, in St. Moritz, Switzerland, finishing 14th.

Following her event, Vonn reflected on her race while expressing her gratitude.

"I’m officially BACK!! 🙌🏻❤️," Vonn wrote. "It’s been 2,162 days since my last World Cup race (almost 6 years!) but yesterday I got back in the starting gate and competed once again. I finished 14th, which was a perfect place to start. This is only the beginning though, and I’m looking forward to all of the adventures that lie ahead." Thank you to everyone who made this weekend so incredible!"

Tennis great Billie Jean King lauded Vonn, saying:

"Proud of you!"

Billie Jean King praised the 40-year-old (Image Source: Instagram)

Legendary sprinter and 11-time Olympic medalist Felix also lauded the 40-year-old and wrote:

"Welcome back!!!🔥"

Sofia Goggia, with whom Vonn shared the podium in the Downhill event at the 2018 Winter Olympics also hailed the American and wrote:

"The best is yet to come ❤️"

Slovenian World Cup alpine skier and four-time Olympic medalist Tina Maze also commended the fellow skier, writing:

"Loved the finish line! 🤩🙌🙌"

Screenshot of Instagram post.

Lindsey Vonn reflects on her super-G race in St.Moritz

Lindsey Vonn during downhill training at the Women's World Cup in Beaver Creek, Colorado. (Image Source: Getty)

Lindsey Vonn returned to the sport with her sight glued to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

While speaking to Eurosport, she reflected on her recent race and expressed her satisfaction, emphasizing she felt strong and excited.

"I felt really good, there's definitely a lot I have left to give," Vonn said. "I really wanted to get to the finish today and be solid. I didn't want to risk too much, today was not the day to do anything special. It feels so good to have the nerves, to have the butterflies, to have the adrenaline, and to push yourself. I think this is the perfect start and I look forward to trying to improve every race."

Lindsey Vonn was poised to compete in the Super-G race again on Sunday but the race was cancelled, citing unstable weather conditions.