After more than six years away from competitive skiing, legendary American downhill racer Lindsey Vonn has officially set her sights on a sensational comeback for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano–Cortina—and she isn’t doing it alone.
Vonn, 40, revealed her new coaching setup in a heartfelt shoutout to her long-time friend and former rival, Aksel Lund Svindal, who has stepped in as her coach and equipment strategist. The pair share a unique bond, having retired in the same year (2019) after carving out parallel careers at the very top of alpine skiing.
“It’s not often you get to team up with someone who understands both the triumphs and the pain of this sport the way Aksel does,” Vonn said on social media. “He’s not just a coach—he’s family. Having him in my corner gives me confidence that I can chase this dream one more time.”
A Bold Attempt at History
If successful, Vonn’s return would make her one of the few alpine skiers in history to come back from retirement and qualify for an Olympic Games. Already a four-time Olympian and the most decorated female ski racer in World Cup history, she has nothing left to prove—but plenty left to inspire.
Her comeback, however, won’t be without challenges. At her peak, Vonn’s career was marked as much by record-breaking speed as it was by devastating injuries, including multiple knee surgeries. Critics wonder if her body can still endure the pounding of Olympic-level downhill skiing, but Vonn seems unfazed.
“I know the risks. But skiing has always been my greatest love,” she said. “This comeback isn’t about medals—it’s about proving to myself that I can still race, still feel the rush, and still inspire the next generation.”
A Partnership Rooted in Trust
Svindal, himself a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Norway, brings both credibility and camaraderie to the comeback project. He has long admired Vonn’s resilience and hinted that he was just as excited as she is.
“Lindsey has always pushed the limits of what’s possible in this sport,” Svindal told reporters. “My role is simple: give her the tools, the setup, and the guidance to chase that feeling again.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 Games still 17 months away, Vonn plans to spend the coming season in Europe, training intensively and testing her equipment under Svindal’s watchful eye. Whether or not she secures a place on Team USA, her decision to return has already electrified the skiing community.
For fans, the prospect of Lindsey Vonn flying down an Olympic mountain one last time isn’t just about chasing medals—it’s about witnessing the fearless spirit that made her a household name in the first place.
