After five years away from competitive skiing, Lindsey Vonn made a striking return last winter at age 40 — and quickly realized her comeback meant more than just racing again.
Wherever she went, from airports to restaurants, she was approached by people who didn’t necessarily follow sports, much less ski racing. What resonated with them wasn’t her medals, but her role as a symbol for older athletes who refuse to slow down.
“People my age would tell me, ‘We’re so proud you’re doing this,’” Vonn said from Park City, Utah, where the U.S. ski team trains. “That’s when I realized this was bigger than me or even the
