Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Lindsey Vonn, one of the greatest female skiers of all time, is making a comeback at age 41 after nearly six years of retirement. The Olympic medal hopeful is focusing on the women’s events at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, a place she calls special.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” has been a defining location in Vonn’s career. Her first World Cup race here was in 2002, but she did not finish the super-G event, feeling nervous about making the Salt Lake City Olympic team.
After being sent to the Europa Cup in 2003 and working hard on her fitness, Vonn returned to Cortina in 2004 and secured her first career World Cup podium. She finished fifth in the first downhill race and third the next day, marking a turning point in her confidence and career.
Vonn compares Cortina to Lake Louise, saying it’s a place where she feels at ease and knows how to perform. Her memories include breaking Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s 35-year-old World Cup wins record in 2015 with family present — a rare gathering that made the achievement even more special.
However, Cortina has also been a place of struggle. In 2019, pain in her knees forced Vonn to consider retirement. After a partial joint replacement in her right knee, she returned to skiing last season and is now targeting Olympic success — if her left knee allows.
Vonn’s connection to Cortina spans nearly 25 years, encompassing career highs, personal milestones, and family reunions, making it the perfect stage for her final Olympic challenge.
English
