Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) (AFP) – American ski legend Lindsey Vonn said Sunday that next month’s world championships were the “only thing that matters” as she continues her comeback after a near six-year absence. Vonn, 40, retired in 2019 as one of the most decorated athletes in the sport’s history, before announcing a surprise return to competition in 2024.
Speaking at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where she has won nine times, Vonn said she was being patient with the world championships in Saalbach and next year’s Olympics on her horizon. “For me, it was really good to ride without taking too many risks. I wanted to stay healthy and nothing more,” 82-time World Cup winner Vonn told reporters. “It gives me more confidence for the world championships.”
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After initially impressing on her comeback with fourth and sixth placings in St Anton, Vonn finished 20th in the downhill at Cortina, where next year’s Olympics will be held. At Garmisch, Vonn failed to finish in Saturday’s downhill but came 13th in Sunday’s super-G. With several serious crashes on Saturday and conditions difficult on the Sunday, which caused a 15-minute delay to the start of the race, Vonn did not want to lose focus on her longer-term goals.
“The snow was soft and the light was not optimal and a lot can happen. The goal wasn’t to be here this season at all — of course the only thing that matters are medals at the world championships. Saalbach is a pretty easy course, so it should suit me pretty well; if I can get some fast skis, I should be in good shape.”
© 2024 AFP
