Lindsey Vonn’s Comeback and Olympic Aspirations
Lindsey Vonn’s anticipated comeback in her 40s is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, where she will reunite with former competitors and fellow Olympians. Sadly for another U.S. champion, snowboarder Jamie Anderson, who has been focusing on her family after giving birth to two children, her goal to return to competitive form fell short this season, preventing her from qualifying for the Olympic team.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Roster
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard team announced a 97-member roster this Thursday, which notably features icons like Mikaela Shiffrin, making her fourth Olympic appearance, and Chloe Kim, aiming for her third gold medal. However, Kim’s prospects may be jeopardized due to a shoulder injury sustained in training earlier this month. Vonn, Kim, and Shiffrin collectively boast five Olympic gold medals, leading a squad that also includes 48 first-time Olympians, reflecting a significant infusion of new talent.
Among the athletes, there are 50 women and 47 men, with ages ranging from just 15 years old (represented by halfpipe freestyle skier Abby Winterberger) to 44 years old (snowboardcross veteran Nick Baumgartner, who is competing in his fifth Olympics and is the current champion in the mixed event).
Legacy and Expectations
The team, which is set to be officially unveiled on Monday, continues the legacy of success from the 2022 Beijing Games, where the skiers and snowboarders accounted for 15 of the 25 medals won by the U.S. in total. Sophie Goldschmidt, the president and CEO of U.S. Ski and Snowboard, expressed confidence in the athletes and their compelling narratives that will enrich the Olympic spirit in Italy.
Individual Highlights
Vonn’s return to competitive skiing, following her recovery from a partial knee replacement, has showcased her remarkable skill with two World Cup downhill victories this season, elevating her career total to 84 wins. She is expected to contend fiercely in the speed events and may team up with Shiffrin for the inaugural Olympic mixed event.
Shiffrin herself is eager to redeem her past Olympic experience, seeking to recover from her medal-less performance in Beijing and aiming for her third gold medal after triumphing in slalom and giant slalom at Sochi and Pyeongchang, respectively. In her current season, Shiffrin has been dominant in slalom, winning six races.
As the season progresses, Jessie Diggins, a three-time Olympic medalist and gold medalist in the team sprint from 2018, prepares for what will be her final Olympics before officially retiring at the end of the season.
Breezy Johnson’s road to the Olympics has been challenging after a knee injury sidelined her before the 2022 Beijing Games, yet she aims to return stronger alongside veterans like Vonn, who share a history together from their formative years in Minnesota under legendary coach Erich Sailer.
Snowboarding and Freeskiing Competitors
In the realm of snowboarding, 2018 gold medalist Red Gerard makes a return for his third Olympic tour at the age of 17, joined by newcomer Ollie Martin, who has recently made headlines for his groundbreaking tricks. In the halfpipe competitions, veterans Chase Josey and Jake Pates seek to prove themselves after previous experiences.
Freeskiing will also see seasoned competitors like Nick Goepper, who transitions from slopestyle to the halfpipe, along with Alex Ferreira, with past Olympic achievements. Meanwhile, some notable absentees include David Wise, a two-time gold medalist, who failed to qualify based on past performances.
Moguls and Aerials
In the moguls and aerials sections of the team, silver medalist Jaelin Kauf and gold medalist Chris Lillis will attempt to build on their previous successes at the Games. With a roster that combines youthful exuberance and experienced athletes, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team looks poised to make a strong showing in Milan Cortina.
