Is Lindsey Vonn on draw list for Saturday’s Sölden World Cup ski race?

Despite rampant internet speculation, retired U.S. skiing champion Lindsey Vonn will not be making an unexpected return to competitive skiing at this weekend’s Sölden World Cup in Austria. Vonn, a celebrated downhill skier who retired in 2019 due to knee injuries, is ineligible to participate in Saturday’s Giant Slalom event.

Though Vonn’s achievements, including an Olympic gold medal and multiple World Cup wins, make her eligible under a new rule allowing former champions to re-enter the circuit, no indication has been given that Vonn plans to utilize this provision.

The FIS Alpine Ski website confirms that 62 other female athletes are slated to compete in the Giant Slalom, including American stars like Mikaela Shiffrin, Paula Moltzan, and Nina O’Brien. Vonn has instead been focused on her health and recovery since a recent knee replacement surgery, frequently sharing updates with fans on social media about her journey.

Her recent induction into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame underscores her lasting legacy, but, for now, Vonn appears content cheering from the sidelines as the next generation takes on the slopes.