American alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has been nominated to the United States Alpine Ski Team for the 2026-27 season, marking another major step in her remarkable comeback journey.
The 41-year-old was included in the 48-member Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team roster announced by U.S. Ski & Snowboard on Wednesday. The nomination comes just months after Vonn suffered a horrific crash during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Vonn endured multiple leg fractures and underwent several surgeries following the crash in the women’s downhill event in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Reports later revealed the injury was so severe that doctors feared she could lose her leg.
Despite the setback, the Olympic champion has repeatedly refused to rule out another return to competitive skiing. Her nomination for the upcoming season is being viewed as a strong sign that she intends to continue her recovery and remain connected to elite competition.
Vonn originally retired in 2019 because of chronic injuries before making a sensational comeback in late 2024 after knee replacement surgery. During the 2025-26 World Cup season, she became the oldest woman ever to win an Alpine Skiing World Cup downhill race, further cementing her legendary status in the sport.
The American great remains one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, with three Olympic medals, including downhill gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, along with four overall World Cup titles and 82 World Cup victories.
Vonn joins a star-studded Team USA roster led by Mikaela Shiffrin, who continued her dominance during the 2026 Winter Olympics by winning slalom gold in Cortina.
The newly announced squad also includes Olympic medallists Breezy Johnson, Paula Moltzan, Jacqueline Wiles, and several emerging American talents as Team USA begins preparations for the next World Cup campaign.
Although Vonn has admitted she is still in “survival mode” mentally and physically after the crash, she recently made a public appearance without crutches at the 2026 Met Gala, signalling encouraging progress in her rehabilitation.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard clarified that the nominations are part of the federation’s standard annual process and do not automatically confirm competition participation next season. However, Vonn’s inclusion has reignited excitement among fans hoping to see one of skiing’s greatest athletes return to the slopes once again.
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