Lindsey Vonn announced her comeback last month and now it's been completed in a competition under the International Ski Federation's (Fis) umbrella, but at a lower level.
It ended with a 24th place in the downhill in Colorado in a starting field of 43 skiers. The 40-year-old was 1.44 seconds behind winner Mirjam Puchner, Austria.
"Like a training session"
She then skied another downhill and finished 27th – 1.53 seconds behind winner Cornelia Hütter, Austria.
"I'm sure people will have opinions and claim that I'm not in top form due to the results, but I don't agree. This was like a training session for me. I'm still testing equipment", Vonn writes on X.
"This was just the beginning and the way I'm skiing is more important than the times right now. Now I have Fis points to compete in the World Cup, so it was a successful day! Thanks to everyone who helped me with the race! We'll do it again tomorrow", she continues.
On Sunday, two super-G competitions are on the program.
Retired in 2019
Vonn – who has taken three Olympic Games medals, eight World Championship medals, and 82 World Cup victories – has previously said that she has hopes of getting a wildcard to two super G races in Swiss St. Moritz on December 21–22.
She actually retired in the spring of 2019 after having had major injury problems. This year, she has had a knee operation and has not felt any pain.
My goal is to enjoy this and hopefully it will lead to World Cup competitions. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been back in the USA's national team, said Vonn to The New York Times when she revealed her comeback.
