The world watched in an awe-inspiring moment as one of the most successful skiers made her comeback to the snowy mountains after hitting her forties. The name? Lindsey Vonn. She stunned the Alpine world by returning from retirement in November 2024 at age 40, and they watched when she descended the Copper Mountain, finishing 14th in her first World Cup race in St. Moritz, soon improving to sixth and fourth in St. Anton. In March 2025 at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, she earned her first podium since retiring—second place in the super‑G, becoming the oldest woman ever to medal in World Cup alpine racing. The next focus for the legend is Milan Cortina, but before that, she has a confession to make.

Lindsey Vonn has been nominated for the Best Comeback Athlete award at the 33rd annual ESPY Awards. As the show went live on July 16, 2025, the 40-year-old was caught up in an interview. She noted that it has been 19 years since her first ESPYs nomination. With the Olympics coming up next year, she said she’s looking forward to drawing inspiration from fellow athletes to help fuel her in the months ahead. The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6-22, 2026, co-hosted by Milan and Cortina, Italy, marking Europe’s first Winter Games since Turin 2006. But the question remains: is Lindsey Vonn in shape for it? Her answer was…

“My life has totally changed. You know, I was in a lot of pain for a long time, and now I’m finally pain-free and I’m able to do what I want to do. And I also have a much I think different perspective, having been away from the sport for six years. I am really motivated. I’m healthy. I feel great. I’m training really hard,” she confessed in the interview. The 40-year-old announced her retirement at the end of the 2018‑19 season after suffering extensive injuries throughout her career, especially to her knees. By that point, she said her body was “broken beyond repair.” But just like the quote goes, where there is a will, there is a way.

After multiple surgeries, Vonn underwent a robot-assisted partial knee replacement with titanium components to fix chronic pain. By late 2024, she re-entered the FIS circuit, pain-free. But there are still things to worry about before the Winter Olympics. “I kind of when I got back on skis, everything came back pretty quickly, but it’s taken me a while in the gym. You know, I lost a lot of weight. I’m not in the same shape that I was. I’m like Miami body, you know, like I’m not in ski shape,” she told when asked about the hardest process of the comeback.

She also added, “So, I’m getting there. I’m working really hard, but you know, the joy has never left, and that’s what it’s all about. That’s how you know you’re doing the right thing.” Lindsey Vonn has had a second chance in her career, and she is cashing it all in. Meanwhile, hours before the ESPYs Red Carpet, the Minnesota native was looking back at a major part of her career.

Lindsey Vonn’s 20-year celebration

Lindsey Vonn made her World Cup debut at the age of 16 on November 18, 2000, competing in a slalom race in Park City, Utah. 5 years later, signed her iconic Red Bull sponsorship deal in 2005, at age 20—just one year after her breakout win at Lake Louise, marking the beginning of a two-decade partnership that even continues today. On July 15, she made a splash as she celebrated the 20-year mark of her partnership with Red Bull at Delilah in West Hollywood.

“What a night!!! Celebrated 20 years with @redbull with friends and the team. When you have good people supporting you, the whole journey is so much better!! Thank you for always believing in me… who would have thought I’d be here 20 years later… ❤️ you guys! 🪽” wrote the Olympian in her latest Instagram post. She had donned a stylish all-black outfit featuring a long-sleeve top with a subtle neckline, paired with a croc-embossed mini skirt with gold zipper details.

Her look was completed with classic black heels, delicate gold jewelry, among which was a necklace featuring the Red Bull logo. 25 years into the game, what do you think about her? Any predictions for the Winter Olympics?