MILAN, December 24 – Lindsey Vonn, the iconic American skier, has been officially selected for the US Ski Team to compete in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This will be Vonn’s fifth Olympic appearance, a remarkable achievement for the athlete who returned to competitive skiing in 2024 after a five-year hiatus.
A Triumphant Return to the Slopes
Vonn, now 41, retired from the sport after the 2018-2019 season. Her return in 2024 followed an innovative knee surgery involving a bone prosthesis transplant to address debilitating joint problems and pain. Since her comeback, Vonn has showcased exceptional form, securing five World Cup podium finishes, with four of them occurring in the current 2025-2026 season. Her triumphant return to victory came on December 12, 2025, in the St. Moritz downhill, nearly seven years after her last win on March 14, 2018, in Åre. This victory marked her 83rd World Cup win.
Olympic Prospects and Cortina Advantage
Currently leading the downhill standings, Vonn’s inclusion in Team USA was a foregone conclusion. The alpine skiing events for women at the Milan-Cortina Games will take place in Cortina, a venue where Vonn has historically excelled, boasting twelve career victories (six downhill and six Super-G wins). Her Olympic medal collection includes a gold in downhill from Vancouver 2010 and two bronze medals (Super-G in 2010 and downhill in Pyeongchang 2018). For the upcoming Olympics, Vonn is expected to compete in the speed disciplines. Furthermore, the US national team is reportedly considering pairing her with Mikaela Shiffrin for the team combined event, a prospect that would create a formidable ‘dream team’ on the snow.
The Road to Milan-Cortina
Vonn’s dedication and resilience in overcoming injuries and returning to the pinnacle of her sport serve as an inspiration. Her presence at Milan-Cortina 2026 adds a compelling narrative to the upcoming Winter Olympics, as she aims to add more accolades to her already illustrious career. The official announcement by the American federation confirms her participation, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting competition.
This development underscores the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of one of alpine skiing’s greatest athletes. Fans worldwide will undoubtedly be eager to witness Vonn’s performance as she once again represents her country on the grandest stage of winter sports.
Source: https://www.gazzetta.it/Sport-Invernali/Sci-Alpino/24-12-2025/lindsey-vonn-ufficiale-sara-nella-squadra-di-sci-usa-per-milano-cortina_amp.shtml
