Five years ago the American ski racer left the sport, but a new right knee has her aiming to compete this year on the World Cup circuit, and possibly, in the 2026 Olympics.

Thanks to knee replacement surgery, 4-time World Cup champion Lindsey Vonn is pain-free and rejoining U.S. Ski Team with an eye on 2026 Olympics.

Vonn, then Lindsey Kildow, placed sixth in the combined event, the best finish for any U.S. female Alpine skier at the Salt Lake City Games. It remains the best Olympic finish for any Alpine skier from any nation that young since 1976.