“It felt like I had never stopped racing” - Lindsey Vonn pens an emotional note after making her first competitive skiing appearance in nearly 6 years

Lindsey Vonn has made her first competitive skiing appearance since her return from retirement, and she couldn't be happier. Reflecting on her races over the weekend, the American penned a lengthy note expressing her thoughts about her comeback.

After announcing her return to skiing in November, the 40-year-old made her comeback official on December 7 & 8, as she raced at the FIS Fall Festival on home ground. Vonn raced in two events over the weekend, the downhill and the super-G. In the former, she finished 24th and 27th in a field of 40 racers, and in the latter, she finished 24th and 19th.

Reflecting on her week, Lindsey Vonn wrote on Instagram,

“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.”

“Being in the start with my teammates it felt like I had never stopped racing, but at the same time I have to keep everything in perspective. I had a partial knee replacement only a few months ago, I have not trained or raced in almost 6 years and have only a few days of training. Step by step I'm getting stronger and finding my form,” she added.

The skier also took the time to thank her friends, family, and teammates, while showing enthusiasm for further races,

“What means so much to me in this journey has been the support of my family, friends, coaches, partners, fans and especially my teammates. Thanks to everyone who believes in the impossible with me! Also a special shout out to @coppermtn and all of the volunteers for putting on the races this weekend. Couldn't have done it without you! On to the next one, let's have some fun!!”

Vonn is one of the most successful alpine skiers of all time, having retired in 2019 after struggling with knee injuries. Earlier this year, she got a partial knee replacement, and soon announced that she would return to skiing.

When can Lindsey Vonn compete in a World Cup race?

Vonn's return to skiing (Image Source: Getty),

At the FIS Fall Festival, Lindsey Vonn’s performance showed promise. In a field consisting of the likes of reigning world champion Marta Bassino as well as Olympic medallists Federica Brignone and Michelle Gisin, the 40-year-old managed to deliver a solid display.

Now, the American has collected enough points to make a return to the World Cup races, but the dates for her return to the circuit haven't been announced yet. However, Vonn likely won't be in action before the tail end of December, given that the new FIS list is set to release after next weekend’s Beaver Creek races.

Between 2001 and 2019, Lindsey Vonn was a dominant force on the World Cup circuit, winning 82 races and claiming 137 podium finishes. She also won four overall titles and 16 discipline titles in her time on the slopes.