When does Lindsey Vonn ski in the Olympics is a question many U.S. sports fans continue to ask as the Winter Games approach and her name remains closely tied to alpine skiing history.
As of today, Lindsey Vonn is not scheduled to ski in any future Olympic Games. She officially retired from competitive alpine skiing in February 2019, and there have been no confirmed plans, announcements, or roster considerations involving her return to Olympic competition. Her Olympic career is complete, and it spans four Winter Games over a 16-year period.
This article explains exactly when Lindsey Vonn skied in the Olympics, what events she competed in, and why she will not be racing in future Games.
Table of Contents
Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Status Today
Lindsey Vonn remains one of the most recognizable American Olympians in winter sports.
However, her competitive Olympic career has ended. She has not returned to World Cup racing since retirement, and she is not eligible for Olympic selection without a full competitive comeback, which has not occurred.
There are no verified updates indicating that Lindsey Vonn will ski in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, or in any future Games.
Why the Question Still Comes Up
The question persists for several reasons:
- Vonn remains highly visible in sports media
- She attends major skiing events in non-competitive roles
- Her legacy continues to shape U.S. alpine skiing
Because she stays connected to the sport, some fans assume she may still be competing. That is not the case.
Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Debut
Lindsey Vonn first skied in the Olympics as a teenager.
2002 Winter Olympics – Salt Lake City
- Age: 17
- Location: Utah, United States
- Events: Downhill, super-G, combined, slalom
She became the youngest female alpine skier to compete at the Olympics at the time. While she did not medal, the experience launched her Olympic journey.
2006 Winter Olympics – Turin
Vonn returned to the Olympics four years later with higher expectations.
Key Details
- Age: 21
- Location: Turin, Italy
- Events: Downhill, super-G, combined
She posted strong performances but missed the podium. Despite that, her World Cup success around this period established her as a rising star heading into the next Olympic cycle.
2010 Winter Olympics – Vancouver
The Vancouver Games marked the defining moment of Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic career.
Historic Achievements
- Gold medal: Downhill
- Bronze medal: Super-G
She became:
- The first American woman to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing
- One of the most dominant figures of the Games in alpine events
Vonn competed through injury and still delivered medal-winning performances, cementing her place in Olympic history.
2014 Winter Olympics – Sochi
Lindsey Vonn did not compete in the 2014 Olympics.
Reason for Absence
- A severe knee injury suffered before the Games
- Inability to regain full racing form in time for selection
This absence was widely documented and represented a major setback in her career.
2018 Winter Olympics – PyeongChang
Vonn returned to the Olympics for the final time in South Korea.
Key Facts
- Age: 33
- Location: PyeongChang, South Korea
- Medal: Bronze in downhill
This medal came in what would be her final Olympic appearance. She dedicated the performance to her late grandfather, making it one of the most emotional moments of the Games.
Complete Olympic Timeline
| Year | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Salt Lake City | Competed |
| 2006 | Turin | Competed |
| 2010 | Vancouver | Gold, Bronze |
| 2014 | Sochi | Did not compete |
| 2018 | PyeongChang | Bronze |
This timeline fully answers when Lindsey Vonn skied in the Olympics and confirms that her Olympic participation has concluded.
Retirement From Competitive Skiing
Lindsey Vonn officially retired in February 2019 after the World Championships.
Reasons for Retirement
- Chronic knee injuries
- Physical toll from years of elite competition
- Inability to safely continue racing at World Cup speed
Her retirement decision was final and widely supported within the sport.
No Olympic Return Planned
Despite frequent public appearances, Lindsey Vonn has not:
- Re-entered World Cup competition
- Sought Olympic qualification points
- Announced a comeback timeline
Without active competition and ranking points, Olympic eligibility is not possible under international skiing rules.
Role in Skiing After Retirement
While she no longer races, Vonn remains involved in the sport.
Her post-competitive roles include:
- Event ambassador appearances
- Media commentary
- Athlete advocacy
- Public speaking related to sports and wellness
These roles often keep her visible during Olympic seasons, fueling questions about a return.
Why She Will Not Ski in the 2026 Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
As of today:
- Vonn would be in her early 40s
- She has not resumed elite training
- She has not entered qualification races
There are no confirmed developments suggesting she will ski competitively again.
Comparing Her to Other Retired Olympians
Unlike some athletes who attempt late-career comebacks, Vonn has consistently stated that her body cannot handle racing demands anymore.
Her retirement aligns with:
- Medical realities
- Long-term health priorities
- Career closure after historic success
Why Fans Still Associate Her With the Olympics
Several factors keep her Olympic connection strong:
- She remains the most decorated U.S. female alpine skier
- Her medals came in marquee events
- Her Olympic moments are frequently replayed during broadcasts
As a result, her name often resurfaces during every Olympic cycle.
Legacy of Lindsey Vonn in Olympic History
Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic legacy includes:
- Three Olympic medals
- Appearances across three decades
- Pioneering success in downhill skiing
Her impact goes beyond medals. She inspired a new generation of American ski racers and elevated the visibility of women’s alpine skiing.
Clarifying the Question Once and for All
To be clear:
- Lindsey Vonn will not ski in future Olympic Games
- Her Olympic appearances occurred between 2002 and 2018
- There are no current plans for a return
The ongoing interest reflects admiration, not uncertainty.
Why This Question Still Matters
Understanding when Lindsey Vonn skied in the Olympics helps place current athletes and upcoming Games into context.
Her career remains a benchmark for success in U.S. winter sports.
Final Perspective
Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic story is complete, defined by resilience, excellence, and historic achievements. While she will not return to the slopes as a competitor, her influence on the Olympics and alpine skiing endures.
Share your favorite Lindsey Vonn Olympic moment or stay tuned for more updates on the athletes shaping the next generation of Winter Games.
