On Sunday, Lindsey Vonn, the 40-year-old ski racing legend, competed in the first of two lower-level super-G races at Copper Mountain, Colo. Vonn finished in 24th place, 2.19 seconds behind her American teammate Lauren Macuga, who claimed victory with a time of 1 minute, 11.90 seconds. The race featured a total of 31 competitors braving the frigid morning conditions.
After completing the race, Vonn took a moment to catch her breath before engaging with her team and preparing for another super-G race later in the day. This event marked Vonn's return to competitive skiing after nearly six years, with her previous races being two downhill events on Saturday where she finished in the middle of the pack against a strong field of competitors.
Vonn's last major race was in February 2019, where she secured a third-place finish in a downhill event during the world championships in Sweden. Following a series of injuries, including a partial knee replacement in April last year, Vonn decided to make a comeback to the sport she loves.
With 82 World Cup wins to her name, Vonn held the record for the most wins by a woman until January 2023 when Mikaela Shiffrin surpassed her with 99 victories. Shiffrin, currently recovering from a recent crash in Vermont, will not be participating in the upcoming races at Beaver Creek.
The women's World Cup circuit will move to Beaver Creek next weekend for downhill and super-G events, but Vonn has not confirmed her participation in any World Cup races yet. Despite the uncertainties, Vonn's return to competitive skiing has generated excitement among fans and fellow athletes alike.
As Vonn continues to fine-tune her equipment and technique, her presence on the slopes serves as a reminder of her remarkable career and enduring passion for the sport. Ski racing enthusiasts eagerly await her next moves as she navigates her comeback journey with determination and resilience.
For more updates on skiing events and athletes, visit the AP skiing hub at apnews.com.
