Paragraph 1: Vonn’s Remarkable Return and Rule Change Advantage
Lindsey Vonn, a legendary figure in alpine skiing, has embarked on a remarkable comeback journey after retiring in 2020. Her illustrious 18-season World Cup career, which culminated with 82 World Cup victories, seemed to have reached its conclusion. However, in a surprising turn of events, Vonn announced her return to the U.S. ski team for the 2024-25 season, setting the stage for a new chapter in her storied career. A crucial factor in facilitating Vonn’s return is a recent revision to FIS Alpine Ski World Cup rules. Implemented in July 2024, the new rules introduce a "wild card" option, guaranteeing returning World Cup racers a starting position after the top 30. This provision allows seasoned veterans like Vonn to re-enter the competitive arena without the pressure of qualifying through traditional channels. This rule change has also benefited other returning athletes, such as Marcel Hirscher, who also capitalized on the opportunity to rejoin competitive skiing.
Paragraph 2: Building Momentum: From Copper Mountain to St. Moritz
Vonn’s path back to the World Cup involved a series of strategic steps. She began by competing in two lower-tier FIS super-G races at Copper Mountain, Colorado, where she finished 24th and 19th, respectively. These results, while not spectacular, served the crucial purpose of earning her enough points to qualify for a World Cup return. While she opted out of the Birds of Prey World Cup race in Beaver Creek, Colorado, in mid-December, she performed the role of final forerunner, providing valuable insights into the course conditions as women raced alongside men on the historic track for the first time. Vonn’s times in the forerunner runs, though behind the race winners, offered a more realistic preview of her performance potential compared to the Copper Mountain races. Her performance in these runs serves as a valuable benchmark for assessing her progress.
Paragraph 3: St. Moritz Debut and the Pursuit of Super-G Glory
The St. Moritz super-G series marks a significant milestone in Vonn’s comeback, representing her first World Cup start since 2019. Thanks to the aforementioned wild card rule, she is guaranteed the 31st starting position, ensuring her participation in this prestigious event. This race provides Vonn with the perfect platform to gauge her current form against top-tier competitors and assess her readiness for future challenges. St. Moritz holds special significance for Vonn, not only as a stage for her return but also as an opportunity to further cement her legacy in super-G racing. She currently holds the record for most World Cup wins in the discipline, with an impressive tally of 28 victories. The St. Moritz races offer her the chance to add to this remarkable record and solidify her status as a super-G icon.
Paragraph 4: Cortina 2026: A Potential Final Chapter?
Vonn’s comeback journey is not just about reclaiming her place in the World Cup circuit; it also carries the tantalizing possibility of a final, glorious chapter at the 2026 Winter Olympics, co-hosted by Cortina and Milan. Cortina holds particular significance for Vonn as it was the site of her last World Cup race in January 2019, before her initial retirement. A return to Cortina for the Olympics would bring her career full circle, offering a chance to rewrite the ending of her remarkable story. The possibility of competing in her final Olympics, especially in a location that holds symbolic value, adds another layer of motivation to Vonn’s comeback. It presents a unique opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the sport and inspire future generations of skiers.
Paragraph 5: The Shiffrin Factor and the Pursuit of Records
Since Vonn’s retirement, Mikaela Shiffrin has emerged as a dominant force in alpine skiing, surpassing Vonn’s overall World Cup wins record. Shiffrin now stands at an impressive 99 victories, while Vonn’s total remains at 82. However, Vonn retains the record for most World Cup wins in both downhill (43) and super-G (28), a testament to her exceptional skill and dominance in these disciplines. While Shiffrin’s achievements are undeniable, Vonn’s records in specific disciplines remain a source of pride and motivation. The friendly rivalry between these two exceptional athletes adds an intriguing dimension to the sport, inspiring both of them to push their boundaries and strive for even greater heights. Shiffrin’s recent abdominal injury, sustained during the Killington giant slalom World Cup race, creates uncertainty about her participation in the current season. This development adds another layer of complexity to the competitive landscape, potentially creating opportunities for other athletes to shine.
Paragraph 6: The Road Ahead: St. Moritz and Beyond
The St. Moritz races serve as a critical stepping stone in Vonn’s comeback journey. The results will provide valuable insights into her current form and her potential to compete at the highest level. Beyond St. Moritz, Vonn’s focus will likely shift towards consistent training and strategic race selection to optimize her performance and prepare for the 2026 Olympics. Her performance in St. Moritz will be closely watched by fans, competitors, and analysts alike, eager to see how she fares against the current generation of elite skiers. Her return also highlights the strength of the U.S. women’s ski team, with several talented athletes competing alongside her in St. Moritz. Their collective performance will be instrumental in shaping the future of American skiing.
