1 of 5 | Lindsey Vonn, who had knee surgery in April, plans to return to the U.S. Ski Team. File Photo by Jason Szenes/UPI |
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Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated skiers in history, ended her retirement and will join the U.S. Ski Team, the three-time Olympic medalist announced Thursday.
Vonn, who turned 40 last month, made the announcement on her social media platforms and through a news release from the U.S. Ski Team.
"Well, it's off to Colorado," Vonn wrote for the caption on Instagram and X posts, which included a video of her skiing down a slope.
"I hope the U.S. Ski Team uniform still fits."
Vonn announced her retirement in 2019. The U.S. Ski Team said her decision to return to ski racing came after "careful consideration" by Vonn, who underwent partial knee replacement surgery in April.
She also trained and tested the knee over the last several months.
"Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey," Vonn said. "I am looking forward to being back with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women."
Vonn earned his first World Cup triumph in 2004. She went on to total 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record until fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin broke passed her mark in January 2023. Shiffrin has since pushed her record total to 97, more than any other women's or men's Alpine skier in history.
"Lindsey has made an indelible mark on alpine skiing and our organization throughout her career," U.S. Ski & Snowboard president and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said. "We're delighted to welcome her back.
"Her dedication and passion towards alpine skiing is inspiring and we're excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here."
Vonn, a four-time overall World Cup champion, also earned eight medals -- including two golds -- at World Championships. She won gold in the downhill at Vancouver 2010.
She also won bronze in the Super G at the 2010 Winter Games. Vonn won another bronze medal in the downhill at Pyeongchang 2018.
The next Winter Olympics will be held Feb. 6 to 22, 2026, in Cortina d'Ampezzo and Milan, Italy.