Sun Mar 23 17:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Vonn Returns to World Cup Finals in Idaho, Defying Age and Expectations

**SUN VALLEY, Idaho** – Lindsey Vonn, one of the greatest ski racers of all time, is competing in the World Cup finals this weekend, a remarkable comeback after retirement and a partial knee replacement. At 40, she’ll be the oldest woman to ever compete at this level.

Vonn, who retired mid-season in 2019 due to persistent injuries, returned to the World Cup circuit in December. Her comeback, fueled by a pain-free condition after surgery, has seen her qualify for both the downhill (Saturday) and super-G (Sunday) events in Sun Valley, Idaho – a location that holds special significance for her.

“I was like, `I really would’ve loved to race there,’” Vonn said, reflecting on the initial disappointment of the finals being in the US while she was retired. Now, she’s embracing the opportunity to compete on home soil, a “full circle moment” given her inspiration from fellow American skier Picabo Street, who hails from Sun Valley.

While she hasn’t yet reached the podium since her return, Vonn boasts two top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place super-G result. She enters the finals ranked 17th in super-G and 19th in downhill, but maintains a confident outlook. “I learned that I haven’t forgotten anything,” she stated, attributing any challenges to adapting to new equipment.

Vonn’s career highlights include an Olympic gold medal in downhill and 82 World Cup victories, placing her third all-time. She plans to continue racing through the Milan-Cortina Olympics next year, with a particular focus on Cortina, Italy, a venue where she achieved significant success throughout her career. This weekend, however, her focus is on enjoying her final potential chance to compete at home. The enthusiastic reception from the Sun Valley crowd clearly indicates the appreciation for her remarkable comeback.

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