Ski Legends Vonn and Shiffrin Mount Remarkable Comebacks

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Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, two of the most accomplished alpine skiers in history, are both making remarkable comebacks as they prepare for the upcoming Olympics. Vonn, who retired with a severely damaged knee, underwent a partial knee replacement in 2024 and has since returned to competition, winning multiple World Cup races. Shiffrin, meanwhile, is recovering from a serious abdominal injury sustained in a 2024 crash, which required her to relearn how to use her core muscles effectively.

Why it matters

The parallel comebacks of Vonn and Shiffrin highlight the incredible resilience and determination of elite athletes, as they overcome significant physical and mental challenges to compete at the highest level. Their stories inspire fans and fellow competitors alike, demonstrating the boundless potential of the human spirit.

The details

Lindsey Vonn, after retiring with a severely damaged knee, underwent a partial knee replacement in 2024. The procedure proved successful, leaving her pain-free and motivated to return to competition. Vonn resumed racing in November, achieving an immediate impact by winning the first two World Cup downhill races of the season and securing five consecutive podium finishes. Mikaela Shiffrin is also mounting a comeback, but hers is from a different kind of challenge. In November 2024, she sustained a serious abdominal injury in a crash at Killington, narrowly avoiding damage to her colon. The recovery process was described as 'grueling,' requiring her to relearn how to use her core muscles. However, Shiffrin found a benefit in the rehabilitation, learning to engage her muscles more effectively.

• In 2019, Mikaela Shiffrin became the first skier in history to finish at the top of the standings in the slalom, giant slalom and Super G.
• In November 2024, Mikaela Shiffrin sustained a serious abdominal injury in a crash at Killington.
• In 2024, Lindsey Vonn underwent a partial knee replacement.
• In November, Lindsey Vonn resumed racing and won the first two World Cup downhill races of the season.
• In March, Mikaela Shiffrin broke Stenmark's record, winning her eighty-seventh World Cup title.

What’s next

As the Olympics draw closer, both Vonn and Shiffrin are positioned as strong contenders. It remains to be seen whether they will achieve further success, but their determination and recent performances suggest they are well-prepared to compete. A possible next step for both athletes is to continue refining their technique and maintaining peak physical condition in the lead-up to the Games.