"I didn't just whimsically rejoin" - Lindsey Vonn makes her feelings known about the grind behind her return to U.S. Ski Team

Lindsey Vonn has officially returned to the US Ski Team, marking a significant chapter in her storied career. The iconic skier, who underwent partial knee replacement surgery in April 2024, is now set to compete in the 2024-2025 season.

The skier retired in February 2019 during the 2018-2019 season, citing persistent injuries and physical limitations. Despite extensive therapy, rigorous training, and the use of a knee brace, she could no longer meet her high standards. Reflecting on her decision, Vonn said her body was ''broker beyond repair,'' leaving her no choice but to step away from the sport she dominated for over a decade.

Speaking this week, she announced her return, underscoring that her decision was anything but impulsive. She said (via Olympics.com):

'I didn't just whimsically rejoin the US Ski Team. I took a lot of steps and a lot of very hard work."

Earlier, Vonn reflected on her progress in an Instagram post:

"Well... I have officially qualified for the World Cup! The races this weekend were so much fun and a great training opportunity. Still have some work to do, but this is a great step in my progression."

Lindsey Vonn's illustrious career includes three Olympic medals- one gold and two bronzes, along with eight World Championship medals earned between 2007 and 2019. Her 20 World Cup globes cement her place among alpine skiing's all-time greats.

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Lindsey Vonn reflects on her first race in 6 years

Lindsey Vonn at STIFEL Birds of Prey FIS World Cup - Beaver Creek Women's Downhill Training - Source: Getty

On December 7, 2024, Lindsey Vonn made her much-anticipated return to professional alpine skiing after nearly six years, competing at the FIS Fall Festival held at Copper Mountain, Colorado. It was her first race since retiring in 2019 and undergoing partial knee replacement surgery earlier this year.

In the two downhill races, the Olympic gold medalist placed 24th and 27th out of 45 participants. Rather than focusing on podium finishes, Vonn said she used the event as a training opportunity to regain her competitive form and test new equipment. Her primary objective was to improve her FIS ranking, a crucial step in securing qualification for future World Cup events.

Before going into the race, Lindsey Vonn shared her thoughts in an Instagram post:

"Happy to be able to take another step this weekend! Technically, tomorrow will be my first race, but I'm using it as a training opportunity to keep on building. 100% will come in time, but not tomorrow. It's been 6 years since I last raced, so I still have a lot of equipment to test, finding my groove and really getting into racing form. I am having a lot of fun and want to keep on doing so!"

She added,

"Cheers to the next step in this incredible and exciting journey! Appreciate all of the amazing support ❤️🙏🏻"

The event at Copper Mountain, a lower-level FIS competition, also featured other prominent athletes, including Austria's Mirjam Puchner and Cornelis Huetter, who took top honors in the races.