Alpine skiing: Comeback at 40: Lindsey Vonn races into World Cup points

Almost six years after her retirement, alpine star Lindsey Vonn has celebrated a highly acclaimed and astonishing comeback in the World Cup. The now 40-year-old 2010 Olympic champion from the USA raced to 14th place in the Super-G in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and immediately scored World Cup points. After winning bronze at the 2019 World Cup and numerous injuries, she ended her career and now has an artificial knee joint.

With a lead of 1.18 seconds over Vonn, Cornelia Hütter was best in the speed discipline. The Austrian was 0.18 seconds faster than second-placed Lara Gut-Behrami from Switzerland. The Italian Sofia Goggia secured third place, 0.33 seconds behind.

The best German was Emma Aicher in 16th place. Kira Weidle took 22nd place. “The confidence wasn’t there today,” said Weidle, who also complained about knee problems and therefore a lack of training, on ARD. This Sunday there is another Super-G on the program on the same route.

Neureuther is happy about his comeback

Vonn had not competed in a World Cup race for 2,141 days. In the previous two Super-Gs in Beaver Creek, the 82-time World Cup winner took to the track as a forerunner. “My plan is very clear to get back to where I was before,” she announced afterwards.

In St. Moritz, Vonn started the race with start number 31. Under blue skies and bright sunshine, the 40-year-old initially mastered the route cautiously, improved and celebrated at the finish. “I’m so happy that she’s back. It’s a great comeback,” said TV expert Felix Neureuther on ARD.