Lindsey Vonn’s Wildcard World Cup Start: Is She Considering a Return?

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Lindsey Vonn Eyes World Cup Return?

Lindsey Vonn, one of the greatest ski racers in history, may be considering a return to the World Cup circuit. Rumors have been circulating, and recent evidence suggests she could be eyeing a World Cup Wildcard start position.

Recent Developments

Ski Racing Media first caught wind of these rumors when Vonn skied in New Zealand with Red Bull and one of her favorite former coaches. At the time, it appeared to be just another Red Bull promotional photo shoot. However, sources now report that Vonn has been training on the Rettenbachferner glacier in Sölden—an area not known for photo shoots this time of year. Even more telling, her group includes HEAD race department personnel, a sign of more serious training rather than a casual return to skiing.

According to a reliable source, “Vonn underwent a partial knee replacement in April. She has been recovering well since then, and her knee feels incredible. She was cleared to ski and has begun a return to skiing progression. She has been supported by Red Bull but, as of now, she has no definitive plans or timeline,” further fueling speculation that she is considering a return to racing. While Ski Racing Media cannot confirm the Wildcard rumors, hope is rising. A return would significantly boost international ski racing and be a huge win for U.S. skiing.

A Painful Retirement

Vonn retired from professional ski racing in February 2019 after an illustrious 19-year career. She has since admitted to being in pain “all the time,” explaining that her decision to retire stemmed from the increasing physical toll and risks.

The Impact of Knee Surgery

Vonn’s potential return is made possible by her recent partial knee replacement. After years of battling knee issues, she finally underwent surgery to address severe degeneration in her knee. Vonn explained on social media that the condition left her in constant pain, and even with preparatory surgeries, the discomfort became unbearable. The surgery involved a Mako Robot-assisted lateral unicompartmental replacement, where the damaged part of her knee was replaced with titanium.

“I made the decision after a lot of thought, research, and conversations with many doctors,” Vonn shared. Despite the surgery, her determination to stay active shines through. “This is just another bump in the road on my journey through life. You know I’ll be back up and running ASAP; can’t hold me down for long!”

Marcel Hirscher’s Wildcard and Vonn’s Potential Return

Marcel Hirscher, another retired skiing legend, has already secured a Wildcard start for the World Cup race in Sölden on October 27th. If Vonn applies for a Wildcard, she would become the second athlete to do so under the new rule. Both Hirscher and Vonn dominated their eras, and their return would electrify the sport.

Lindsey Vonn’s Legacy

Vonn, hailing from Minnesota, left an indelible mark on the sport. With 82 World Cup victories and 137 podium finishes, she ranks among the most decorated athletes in skiing. Her career includes three Olympic medals (including a gold in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics), two World Championship titles, and four overall World Cup titles. She also captured eight downhill, five super-G, and three Alpine Combined titles. Vonn is one of the few athletes to win World Cup races in all five Alpine disciplines, solidifying her place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

A Superstar’s Potential Return

With Marcel Hirscher already set to use the Wildcard rule, attention now turns to Lindsey Vonn. If she makes her return, it would be another monumental moment for ski racing.

Regardless of what the future holds, welcome back to the sport you love, Lindsey Vonn. Ski well!