Surprise comeback?

Ski legend Vonn suddenly makes people sit up and take notice

Created: 02/08/2022, 12:28 p.m

By: Helena Grillenberger

Lindsey Vonn in 2019 with some of her medals.

© Christopher Levy/imago

At 41, Johan Clarey took silver for France in the men's downhill on Monday.

Ski legend Lindsey Vonn (37) feels inspired by his performance.

Beijing - Johan Clarey secured second place in the downhill on Monday, a tenth of a second behind.

And it proves that even at the age of 41 he can still be among the best in the world.

He won his first medal and shared the podium with Beat Feuz (will be 35 on February 11) and Matthias Mayer (31).

A downhill podium that has an average age of 35.3 years and perhaps makes some athletes who have already turned their backs on winter sports think about a comeback?

Quite possible!

Olympia 2022: Lindsey Vonn as a TV expert

For example, American Lindsey Vonn.

The 37-year-old, who is the most successful ski racer in the World Cup with 82 victories, ended her career in 2019. She is now on duty at the Olympic Winter Games in China not as an athlete but as a TV expert for NBC.

But as the men's downhill podium on Monday proves, there could still be something sporty for Vonn.

Lindsey Vonn: Ski legend before a surprise comeback?

The former world-class downhill skier was asked directly by a fan via Twitter about a possible sporting comeback.

Vonn's response: "Hey, don't tempt me hahahah.

Clarey just inspired me!!"

But before the fans of the 2010 Olympic champion get their hopes up: Vonn's return is unlikely.

Because: In December 2020 she said in an interview: "I'll probably have to have artificial knee prostheses made in the next few years.

At the moment I don't see how things could get any better without her (...) I'm always in pain.

It is like it is.

I am now paying the price for my success in skiing.”