Lindsey Vonn Secures Fifth Olympic Spot for 2026 Cortina Games
Updated (2 articles)
Vonn Earns Official Qualification for Cortina 2026 She announced she has officially qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, marking her fifth and final Olympic appearance. Her qualification came after a comeback that began in late 2024 following a five‑year retirement. The U.S. Ski Team confirmed she secured one of the four American downhill spots by meeting performance criteria this season [1][2].
Comeback Performance Dominates World Cup Downhill Since returning, Vonn has posted four podium finishes in five World Cup downhill races, giving her the lead in the current downhill standings. Those results satisfied the Olympic selection standards set by USSA. Her rapid ascent places her ahead of all other American women in the discipline this season [1][2].
Veteran’s Injury History and Knee Replacement Vonn’s career includes multiple injuries, culminating in a knee replacement surgery in 2024. Despite the procedure, she returned to competition and achieved top results, demonstrating durability. Both reports note the surgery as a key element of her comeback narrative [1][2].
Olympic Schedule and Alpine Venue Details The Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games will run from February 6 to February 22, with all alpine skiing events slated for Cortina d’Ampezzo. The venue will host downhill, super‑G, giant slalom and other disciplines. The articles confirm these dates and location for Vonn’s events [1][2].
Vonn’s Commitment to Compete at Full Capacity Vonn emphasized she will give her absolute best each time she leaves the start gate, regardless of the final outcome. She expressed pride in earning her spot through performance rather than legacy. Both outlets quote her resolve as a central theme of her final Olympic chapter [1][2].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: Vonn earns 2026 Olympic downhill berth in Cortina: Highlights her qualification, five‑year retirement comeback, four podiums, World Cup lead, and includes her quote about giving her best .
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2.
King5: Vonn earns 2026 Olympic spot in Cortina: Mirrors WBNS but adds emphasis on her injury history, knee replacement, and reiterates the Olympic schedule, presenting a slightly broader perspective .
Timeline
2019 – Lindsey Vonn retires from competitive skiing as the winningest women’s alpine skier in history, ending a decorated career that includes a 2010 downhill gold and multiple Olympic medals[1].
2024 – Vonn undergoes a knee replacement after a series of injuries, marking a major medical milestone in her post‑retirement health journey[1].
Late 2024 – Vonn returns to World Cup competition after a five‑year retirement, launching a comeback that quickly positions her among the sport’s top contenders[1].
2025 (World Cup season) – Vonn records four podium finishes in five downhill races, leads the World Cup downhill standings, and secures one of the four U.S. Olympic spots through her performance‑based results[1].
Dec 23, 2025 – Vonn publicly confirms she has qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, emphasizing that “it was very important to qualify based on performance and results this season”[1].
Dec 23, 2025 – Vonn pledges to “give my absolute best every time I kick out of the starting gate,” adding “No matter how these games end up, I feel like I’ve already won” as she heads into her fifth and final Olympic appearance[1].
Feb 6–22, 2026 – The Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games are scheduled, with alpine skiing events set for Cortina d’Ampezzo, where Vonn will compete in her final Olympic chapter[1].