On November 14, the Alpine ski racing realm stopped for a moment after hearing the news. After long discussions that lasted for weeks, Lindsey Vonn decided to put on the national color again. At 40, she is ready to take her chances to make it to the 2026 Winter Olympics. As six years ago, she bid goodbye to the sport. The multiple injuries and her aching right knee forced her to put an end to her stellar career. But now, strengthened by a fresh mission, Vonn is ready to roll with her skiing skills. But wait, what will be her opening race? 

After February 2019, Lindsey Vonn maintained a distance from the professional ski racing. But as she has announced her return in the middle of the World Cup season, will she be eying to make a comeback in the contest? As it is known, on November 30, the ongoing World Cup season will move to Killington in Vermont. On the opening day, the participants will huddle on the giant slalom and the next day, it will continue to the slalom race. Altogether, it will be a huge opportunity for the American ski racing legend to open her book of races. But will she opt for it? 

Will the Killington race witness the mouthwatering battle between the duchess? 

On November 19, Lindsey Vonn shared an X-post, captioning “Skiing some downhill… BRB”. The post surely teased the fans, hinting at Vonn’s comeback in the mainstream of the ski race. Meanwhile, her training sessions with the Stifel US Ski Team in Colorado fueled the chances. But the fans may have to wait for a few more days to watch the four-time World Cup champion in action on the slopes. On the other hand, the much-awaited ski battle between Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin is still a few weeks away. In fact, no one holds a better idea about Vonn’s developments in the training sessions. 

Yet she will make it to the Winter Olympic Games with all her might. Before that, the fans will witness Mikaela Shiffrin appearing in the Killington World Cup, tying with Vonn. How? Currently, Shiffrin holds 8 Slalom Crystal Globes, whereas her predecessor has the same number but in the downhill events. In Killington, Shiffrin will also have her chance to make it her 100th victory in World Cup races. In January 2023, she went past Vonn’s record of having the most ski racing wins as an American female Alpine ski racer. Now it’s time for her to enter another chapter of her accomplishments. Will her challenge put Lindsey Vonn in a compromised state in later times? Well, the four-time Olympian had something to add. 

What is driving Lindsey Vonn before her turn in her fresh inning? 

In 2019, Lindsey Vonn locked horns with Mikaela Shiffrin for the last time before her retirement. However, in the last of her races, Shiffrin took the gold medal each time. But the latter has never flaunted any mood to go past Vonn’s shadow. Rather, in 2023, after going past the senior’s number of victories, she said, “I don’t know if I could fill Lindsey’s shoes, the way that she has worn them.” If that promotes the utmost respect from the junior to her senior, Vonn’s comment may not be any less. 

While talking about Mikaela Shiffrin’s impact on the sport, Lindsey said, “I think it’s amazing what she’s done for the sport and I’m really excited to be her teammate again.” Therefore, a rivalry is not on the list. But the Minnesota native has something more special as the driving force. In her interaction with the New York Times, Vonn said, “I’m not chasing anything; I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone. With what I’ve done in my career, I’m thankful I can be in this position. I don’t have any pressure. It’s just me and the mountain like it was in the beginning.” The successful knee surgery in April this year also motivated her to try the sport once again. Now, the fans will have to wait for further announcements from Vonn’s side, confirming her official return.