Lindsey Vonn evening run on the Kitzbühel Streif: GEPA photos
“I Really feel Sorry for Lindsey”
Lindsey Vonn’s daring choice to return to aggressive ski racing at 40 has ignited numerous opinions. After Swiss legends Sonja Nef and Bruno Kernen shared their issues about her comeback in an interview with Blick.ch, Vonn responded on X, previously Twitter. “Very type phrases, Sonja and Bruno. I cannot overlook them.” Her response piqued our curiosity, prompting a more in-depth have a look at the skepticism voiced by her friends.
At 40 years outdated and with a synthetic knee, Vonn has introduced her intention to return to aggressive ski racing. She goals for prime outcomes on the World Cup circuit and a shot on the 2026 Olympics. Whereas her ambition conjures up some, Nef and Kernen are involved in regards to the bodily dangers and query whether or not Vonn can realistically obtain her targets.
Like Vonn, Nef and Kernen are former World Champions who now reside with synthetic knee joints. In an interview with Blick.ch, they admired Vonn’s accomplishments however urged warning in regards to the risks of a comeback.
“At 40, You Can’t Go Full Throttle”
Sonja Nef, the 2001 big slalom World Champion, doubts that Vonn can compete with at this time’s greatest skiers. “Unattainable. At 40, you’ll be able to’t go full throttle like that, particularly not with a synthetic knee joint,” Nef instructed Blick.ch.
Nef acknowledged the toll that years of elite competitors took on her physique and shared her disbelief when listening to about Vonn’s comeback plans. “Once I first heard the rumors, I believed, she will be able to’t be that silly. However she is—sadly.”
For Nef, the dangers outweigh the rewards. “Lindsey is a grande dame of the game, however for me, she will be able to solely lose with this comeback. It appears like she’s jeopardizing her legacy.”
“I Don’t See Her on the Podium”
Bruno Kernen, the 1997 downhill World Champion, additionally expressed skepticism about Vonn’s capability to return to the highest of the game. “She would possibly make it into the highest 10 right here and there, relying on the terrain and snow situations,” he mentioned. “However I don’t see her on the rostrum within the World Cup.”
Kernen, who received the enduring Lauberhorn downhill in Wengen in 2003, emphasised the challenges Vonn will face after a five-year absence from competitors. “After that a lot time away, she’ll have to take many dangers even to be aggressive. And while you push your self to the restrict, you danger going over it.”
Dangers of a Prosthetic Knee
Nef and Kernen spoke candidly about dwelling with synthetic knees, emphasizing the necessity to keep away from further accidents. Nef shared a warning from her physician: “If I fell violently and one thing broke in my knee, it won’t be repairable. I may find yourself needing a stiffened joint completely.”
Kernen, who continues to take pleasure in leisure sports activities, echoed this sentiment. “My knee permits me to remain lively, however I do know my limits. Lindsey is taking an unlimited gamble along with her well being.”
“Does She Want the Highlight?”
Nef and Kernen additionally mirrored on Vonn’s doable motivations for returning. Nef advised that Vonn would possibly wrestle with life outdoors the ski highlight. “I might guess Lindsey doesn’t cope in regular life, the place she isn’t the focus. That’s why I really feel sorry for her.”
Kernen acknowledged the attract of competitors however careworn the significance of shifting on after retirement. Now, the managing director of the ski wax firm Toko, Kernen, defined, “It took me some time to search out satisfaction outdoors of snowboarding, however I by no means thought of a comeback.”
A Excessive-Stakes Gamble
Regardless of the warnings, Vonn stays centered on her objective. With 82 profession victories and her sights set on the 2026 Olympics, she continues to organize for a return to the World Cup circuit.
Nevertheless, as Nef put it, the dangers are clear. “She has a knee manufactured from metallic. Interval. No surgeon would say this can be a good concept.”
The months forward will reveal whether or not Vonn’s gamble results in glory—or a setback. Ski Racing Media reminds us by no means to underestimate a champion—consider George Foreman. Following what he known as a born-again expertise, George Foreman grew to become an ordained Christian minister. Ten years later, at 45, he returned to the ring and received the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight titles by knocking out 26-year-old Michael Moorer in 1994.
This text attracts on interviews and insights initially revealed by Blick.ch.
