Lindsey Vonn Qualifies for Fifth Winter Olympics, Defying Age and Expectations
MILAN, Italy — Lindsey Vonn, the American alpine skiing legend, has once again demonstrated that age is no barrier to elite competition by qualifying for her fifth Winter Olympics. At 41 years old, Vonn secured her place on Team USA for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games following a remarkable showing in the recent World Cup events in Val d’Isère, France.
In a weekend that saw her reach the podium twice, Vonn finished third in both the super-G and downhill races, reaching speeds up to 71 miles per hour. These results marked the 142nd podium finish of her World Cup career, underscoring a level of consistency and excellence rarely seen in the sport. Her performance was pivotal in clinching her Olympic berth, as officially announced by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
Vonn’s return to competitive skiing is particularly noteworthy given she stepped away from the sport for five years before making this comeback. Despite the hiatus, she has maintained a competitive edge that places her among the top contenders heading into the Games, which are scheduled to run from February 6 through February 22, 2026. The Team USA Winter Olympic program celebrated her qualification as a testament to her enduring talent and dedication.
Reflecting on her journey, Vonn took to social media to express her excitement and commitment: “I am honored to be able to represent my country one more time, in my 5th and final Olympics! When I made the decision to return to ski racing, I always had one eye on Cortina because it’s a place that is very, very special to me. Although I can’t guarantee any outcomes, I can guarantee that I will give my absolute best every time I kick out of the starting gate.”
Her Olympic résumé is already illustrious. Vonn won the gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games and earned two bronze medals at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Beyond the Olympics, she has amassed an impressive collection of medals from the World Championships — including two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes — and boasts 83 World Cup race victories. She has also secured multiple International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Crystal Globes, awarded to the season’s best overall skiers.
Her comeback and continued success have drawn parallels to other athletes who have defied age expectations, such as NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, who continues to compete at a high level in his mid-40s. Vonn’s story resonates as an inspiring example of perseverance and passion in sports.
As the Winter Olympics approach, the world will be watching to see if Vonn can add to her medal haul in Milan and Cortina. The International Olympic Committee highlights the significance of these Games as a celebration of winter sports excellence, and Vonn’s participation adds a compelling narrative to the competition.
For fans and aspiring athletes alike, Vonn’s journey underscores the value of resilience and dedication. The International Ski Federation continues to track her performances closely, as she aims to make her final Olympic appearance one to remember.
With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Lindsey Vonn’s qualification is a powerful reminder that experience and determination remain vital components of athletic success. Whether or not she reaches the podium again, her legacy as one of America’s greatest skiers is firmly cemented.
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