“Shut it” – Lindsey Vonn responds to critics doubting her return to competitive skiing at 40

Lindsey Vonn’s decision to return to downhill ski racing at 40 wasn’t spontaneous. It followed years of meticulous planning, multiple knee surgeries—both minor and major—and extensive testing on slopes in New Zealand, Austria, and Colorado. Vonn carefully assessed her body’s reaction to a titanium knee replacement before committing to competing in super-G races at the World Cup in St. Moritz this weekend, her first in nearly six years.

Frustrated by skeptics, including some former ski champions questioning her return to such a physically demanding sport, Vonn addressed the criticism head-on. “People think I’m crazy, but I’ve done my research,” she said. “I consulted numerous doctors and even spoke with extreme skier Chris Davenport, who skis extensively after his own partial knee replacement. That gave me confidence.”

Orthopedic surgeon Tom Hackett, affiliated with The Steadman Clinic and the U.S. Ski Team, was instrumental in Vonn’s journey. Hackett helped her connect with top specialists, including Martin Roche, a Florida-based orthopedist. Following a preparatory surgery in 2023, Roche performed a robot-assisted knee replacement in April, replacing part of Vonn’s knee with titanium components.

“When you commit, you commit,” Vonn explained. “I did all the upfront research, and now I’m seeing the benefits.”

Critics voice concerns

Not all have welcomed Vonn’s comeback. Former skiing greats, including Pirmin Zurbriggen, Michaela Dorfmeister, and Franz Klammer, have publicly criticized her decision. Zurbriggen expressed fears that her artificial knee might suffer irreparable damage, potentially ending her ability to engage in sports entirely. Others suggested Vonn was struggling to adapt to life beyond her championship career.

In response, Vonn took to social media, writing, “I’m tired of people predicting doom for me. Are they all suddenly medical experts?”

Inspired by trailblazers like Simone Biles

Vonn draws motivation from athletes like Simone Biles, who defied age expectations by winning Olympic gold at 27. While no woman over 34 has ever won a World Cup ski race, male athletes like Johan Clarey have excelled past 40.

“I’m not reinventing the wheel,” Vonn said. “I’m simply doing what feels right for me, inspired by those who have pushed boundaries before.”