Saalbach (Austria) (AFP) – A cold-ridden Lindsey Vonn vowed to bounce back in Saturday’s downhill after her eagerly-awaited return to world championship skiing came to a disappointing, premature end in the super-G. Wearing bib number 30, Vonn didn’t even make it down a third of the 2.1km-long course in the Austrian resort of Saalbach on Thursday after she clipped a gate pole with her right arm. She skidded out of line to ensure a quick exit for her much-hyped next step on the road back from retirement. Austria’s Stephanie Venier edged Italian veteran Federica Brignone for the race win.
Vonn stepped back from skiing after signing off with a downhill bronze at the 2019 Are worlds. She made her comeback this season at the age of 40 after a knee reconstruction which she said had left her pain-free for the first time in years. “I just went a little too early into the gate and I hooked my arm,” said Vonn, who is also suffering from a heavy cold. “I felt good on the upper section. I tried a different boot today, so I think my timing was a little bit off. I took a gamble that didn’t pay off. I’ll do the training run tomorrow (Friday). Again, try a different material and hopefully it’ll be better and I’ll be in a good position for Saturday.”
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Vonn admitted that she felt sick. “I’m not feeling great. Energy is pretty low,” she said. “I didn’t make it that far, but until I went out I skied well and I had enough energy to be in a solid position. It is what it is. It’s bad timing, but yeah, that’s life.” Vonn had posted a photo on social media on Wednesday of her on a nebuliser, the American explaining that was “to get some humidity and try to get my nose and lungs to clear up.” “It’s a little hard to breathe, but I’m okay.”
– No staying in bed –
Asked whether there was a chance her failure to finish the super-G and cold would prevent her from competing, Vonn scoffed that she hadn’t waited “six years to be staying in bed because I’m sick.” “I’m going to be out there and I’m having fun. Maybe it’s not the result I wanted, but I was in the starting gate and I was enjoying it. I was focused. I had a great time. I just wish it would have been a better result.”
There was an American on the podium, however, in the shape of Lauren Macuga, tying with Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie for bronze in her first world championships at the age of 22. “I’m really happy for Lauren. It’s really exciting for her,” Vonn said. “I got fourth a couple times my first three world championships.”
Vonn went on to build a storied career over 19 seasons that comprises three Olympic medals, including downhill gold in Vancouver in 2010, eight world medals, including a speed double in Val d’Isere in 2009, and 82 victories on the World Cup circuit. She said she hoped that her journey was an inspiration. “I think it has a lot to do with my age and the fact that I never give up and I always follow my dreams no matter what anyone says,” she said. “I hope that gives people permission to believe in themselves as well. And I think that’s always been one of the most positive parts of being in the position that I’m in for my entire career is that you have a chance to positively impact people.”
“I was impacted by certain athletes in my life and I hope to do the same. And it’s not just about skiing, it’s more than skiing. So I hope this is maybe a nice addition to my legacy and I’m not just a ski racer, I’m a lot more than that.”
© 2024 AFP
