A New Chapter for Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn, the legendary Alpine ski champion, has always been known for her incredible talent and determination. Now, at 41 years old, she’s making headlines again—not just for her return to the slopes, but for her bold stance on body image and aging in sports.

Breaking Barriers and Setting Records

Vonn is set to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a remarkable comeback six years after her initial retirement. This will not only be a personal milestone but also a historic one. She will become the oldest female Alpine ski race competitor in the history of the Games.

“I want to show that it’s not a disadvantage to be old,” Vonn shared in an exclusive interview. “I love challenging perspectives, and this is an amazing opportunity to do that. Also, my age is an advantage here. I’ve had a lot of experience as a veteran athlete. I’ve skied these tracks four times more than anyone else. Plus, I like breaking records. So if I’m the oldest woman? So be it.”

Redefining Body Image in Sports

Beyond her athletic achievements, Vonn is also using her platform to address important conversations around body image. She recently gained 12 pounds, which she attributes to building muscle mass—something essential for her sport.

“Big butts will always be in,” she jokes, referencing her weight gain. “But I gained muscle and weight because ski racing is a gravity sport, so I need the mass. The more I weigh, the faster I go.”

Vonn emphasizes that being proud of what her body can do is more important than focusing on weight. “I don’t need to be skinny. I lost a lot of weight last year due to stress, and I worked hard to put it back on. And really, you should just be proud of your body and what it can do for you. Like, I just need to be strong. And I’m just as strong as I was, if not stronger.”

A Return Driven by Health and Passion

Vonn’s decision to come out of retirement wasn’t just about returning to the sport she loves—it was also tied to a significant health change. In 2024, she underwent a knee replacement that left her free of pain for the first time in years.

“My body was so different,” she recalls. “I didn’t have any pain at all, my knee didn’t swell. I felt like I could do anything. The thought of ski racing again, something I loved to do so much, but without pain, was really exciting.”

Despite enjoying her life in retirement, Vonn admits she wasn’t entirely satisfied with how she left her career in 2019. “I built an amazing life and was really happy in retirement,” she says. “But I didn’t finish my career the way I wanted to. I was limping away when I wanted to finish strong.”

Looking Ahead

As Vonn prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, she’s not just aiming to compete—she’s aiming to inspire. Her journey highlights the importance of embracing one’s body, challenging stereotypes, and proving that age is just a number.

For those interested in following the stories of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, there’s plenty to look forward to. Coverage of the Milan-Cortina Olympics and Paralympics begins February 6 on NBC and Peacock.