Lindsey Vonn Qualifies for 2026 Winter Olympics in Triumphant Comeback

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Lindsey Vonn is sliding back onto the Olympic slopes.

Lindsey, at 41, has officially earned a spot in the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. She achieved this with consecutive bronze medals in the Super G and a recent string of victories that set new records. This qualification is particularly meaningful for Lindsey, who retired from professional skiing in 2019 due to knee injuries.

The gold medalist announced on Instagram December 23rd that she’s officially qualified for the Olympics in Cortina, sharing a photo of herself in her Team USA uniform and skis. She expressed her honor at representing her country for a fifth and final time, explaining that she specifically returned to ski racing with Cortina in mind because the location holds a special place in her heart.

She reminded me that she couldn’t promise any specific results, but what really struck me was her commitment – she vowed to give 100% every single time she competes. Honestly, she feels like a winner already, no matter what happens in these games! She’s incredibly thankful for how the season’s been going, but she’s far from finished. She’s already looking ahead and said she’ll see everyone in Cortina! It’s so inspiring to watch her dedication.

Lindsay’s recent success was met with enthusiastic support from her fellow Olympians. Gus Kentworthy celebrated her achievement online, simply writing, “Never had a doubt! Congrats!!!” and Kara Winger added, “Yesssssss how incredible, I’m so happy and inspired for you!”

Team USA celebrated Lindsey Vonn’s achievement by announcing on their official Instagram account that she’s qualified for her fifth Winter Olympics, writing, “She is SO back @lindseyvonn!”

The athlete qualified for the competition after consistently performing well in World Cup races held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Val d’Isere, France, earning a spot on the podium four times. She made history on December 12th by winning the downhill race with a time of .98 seconds, becoming the oldest skier ever to win a World Cup event.

She told The Atlantic in an interview published December 23rd that she’s very pleased with recent progress, describing the last few weeks as “pretty great.”

Lindsey had a good chance of making the Olympics because officials offered a way to qualify based on her previous achievements, but she was determined to earn her place through her own performance.

She emphasized that earning her qualification was crucial, and it needed to be based on her current season’s performance, not past achievements. She was proud that her skiing itself had secured her place.

Lindsey explained that she decided to return to competition in 2025 because she felt ready after having surgery to fix her knees.

Lindsey shared with TopMob News in May that she’s feeling healthy again after getting a new knee. She explained that this recovery feels different than previous ones, as she’s been retired for five years.

Lindsey’s been busy skiing, but keep reading to learn about other Olympic athletes and what they do for work when they’re not competing…

 

Swimmer Nic Fink competed in the Tokyo Olympics and then earned a master’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Georgia Tech in December 2022. He subsequently began his career at Quanta Utility Engineering.

Being able to work remotely from his home in Dallas was a huge help, and allowed the soon-to-be father – along with his wife, Olympic swimmer Melanie Margalis Fink – to travel to Paris where he achieved his first podium finish.

After winning silver in the 100-meter breaststroke, Nic explained to ESPN that he was looking ahead to new challenges while still wanting to perform well in swimming. He believes his job helps him separate his athletic pursuits from other aspects of his life.

Sprinter Gabby Thomas is aiming to be among the world’s fastest women while also working to protect the planet.

A Harvard graduate with master’s degrees in public health and epidemiology from the University of Texas, she volunteers at an Austin clinic for people without insurance. She’s also a top contender – and the gold medal favorite – to compete in the 200 meters at the 2024 Olympics.

Even while running track at Harvard, Gabby didn’t know if it would be her long-term career. After qualifying for the Paris Olympics – where she previously won bronze in the 200m and silver in the 4x100m relay at the Tokyo Games – she explained to TopMob News, ‘Making the Olympic team isn’t guaranteed, and track isn’t always a stable path.’

Eventually, she realized she didn’t have to choose between her passions. She decided she could pursue everything she wanted and told herself she would do just that.

As someone who appreciates a well-rounded skillset, I’m always impressed by people who can bridge seemingly different worlds! That’s definitely Canyon Barry. He actually has degrees in physics and nuclear engineering – talk about brainpower! – but he’s also a seriously talented athlete. Recently, I was thrilled to see him make his debut with the U.S. 3×3 basketball team in Paris. It’s fantastic to see someone excel in both technical fields and athletics – a true inspiration!

Canyon, son of NBA legend Rick Barry, told the Associated Press that it’s important to him to have a career he loves, something that gives him a sense of self beyond being an athlete. He explained that he wants to have a fulfilling job to turn to after his basketball career ends, so he can enjoy it for the rest of his life.

Oh my gosh, he actually said it! He wants to walk back into that office – the one where everyone doubted him – with a GOLD MEDAL! Can you imagine?! He wants them to feel it, to actually touch it and take pictures with it. It’s not about proving them wrong, it’s about letting them share in his victory! I’m seriously getting chills just thinking about it. It’s the ultimate comeback story, and I CANNOT wait!

I’ve been following Morelle McCane for years – ever since she was 17! Can you believe this woman worked as a clown at kids’ parties, supervised daycares, and worked in a mailroom, all just to chase her Olympic dream? It’s insane! And finally, in 2024, she did it! She’s the first female boxer from Cleveland to ever qualify for the Games. I’m seriously so proud, it’s unbelievable!

Sometimes you just need to take whatever work you can find right now,” Morelle, 29, explained to the Houston Chronicle. “Good, stable jobs with decent pay usually require a long-term commitment, so it’s important to find something that provides income quickly and consistently.”

And her plan was always Paris.

The welterweight boxer, competing at 66kg, explained to USA Boxing that stepping into the ring allows him to truly express himself. He gives everything he has – including his personality – and finds that makes the experience more enjoyable. He believes having fun is key to performing at his peak, as it brings the right balance of intensity, focus, and relaxation.

Zachery Schubert, a beach volleyball player, raises crickets on his family’s farm in Australia, called Schubugs Cricket Farm. He even eats them himself, enjoying the protein-rich snack!

He clarified to the Sydney Morning Herald that they weren’t trying to make everyone eat insects with every meal. Instead, he explained it was about offering an extra source of protein, and he jokingly added that he wasn’t obsessed with bugs.

Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! Usually, his dad takes care of his crickets when he’s traveling, but get this – his dad is actually IN PARIS, watching him compete in the Olympics for the first time EVER! So, a friend had to step in and look after the farm while they’re both gone. It’s just… everything! I’m so happy for him and his family!

Rower Robbie Manson recently caused a stir by revealing he earns extra money through OnlyFans, but he views it as a sensible way to supplement his income.

Okay, so everyone’s talking about my income, and honestly? I’m making way more money right now through OnlyFans than I ever did as an athlete. Like, more than double! It’s crazy. I decided if I was going to really go for this—coming out of retirement for my third Olympics is a big deal—I needed to be completely upfront about everything. My philosophy? Any press is good press, honestly. I just want to be open and honest with everyone about what I’m doing.

This sport isn’t for everyone, but this rower believes other athletes could definitely find success in it.

Ellen Geddes loved horseback riding until a car accident in 2012 left her paralyzed at age 23. She discovered wheelchair fencing later that year and quickly became competitive, participating in her first Wheelchair World Championships in 2013.

Now running two horse farms in Aiken, South Carolina – Maplewood Farm and Bridlewood Farm – and working as a breeding director at Magnolia Sport Horses, she aims to finish on the podium at the Paris Paralympics, which begin on August 28th.

Qualifying for the Paralympics in 2021 was amazing, but I was hoping for a better result, which is why I’m competing again in 2024,” she told the Lexington County Chronicle. She also joked that her fencing equipment (foils) has been getting more focus than baby horses (foals) recently.

I’m really finding it hard to juggle everything,” Ellen admitted. “At the moment, I’m putting most of my energy into fencing, more than into my horses and farm work.

We’d have felt incredibly safe if Alyssa Bull, an Australian firefighter, had come to our rescue—and it’s amazing to learn she’s also an Olympic canoeist!

After competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Aly became a firefighter with the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service in 2018. She quickly discovered, as she explained to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, that managing both her job and athletic training would require significant effort and careful planning.

Aly described her demanding training schedule in 2023, saying it involves working two day shifts, two night shifts, followed by four days off. She particularly praised Australian sprint kayak coach Rene Olsen for his incredible support, specifically for joining her on the water as early as 4 a.m. during her day shifts.

But Aly finds that the importance of teamwork follows wherever she goes.

No matter where your teammate is – in front of you, behind you, or getting ready to respond to an emergency – you absolutely need to have complete confidence in their abilities. This means trusting them to handle anything from a minor car accident using the right tools and clear communication, to working together seamlessly, like in a race, to achieve a common goal.

Maria Liana Mutia is always learning and analyzing, whether she’s preparing for a para judo competition or working as a software analyst at Comcast.

My usual day starts with a workout at 6 a.m., followed by work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and then two hours of training.

I don’t rely on strength or aggression; I focus on strategy,” the Paralympian explained to TeamUSA.com. “I’m always trying to find the best way to respond to what my opponent does.”

Maria was already an athlete, competing in both wrestling and judo for people with vision loss, when she gradually lost all of her sight. But she never even considered giving up her sports.

She explained that all grappling sports, like judo, rely on physical contact, and that never made her concerned about having to quit.

Kat Holmes, a Princeton graduate, successfully balanced her Olympic fencing ambitions with her medical studies. Competing in both individual and team epee at her third Olympics in Paris, she’s also a third-year student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai—a demanding schedule she jokingly advises others to avoid.

Training for the Olympics while also going to medical school is incredibly difficult,” she explained to CNBC Make It Ahead. “It’s definitely not something I’d wish on anyone. I don’t enjoy constant training, and honestly, some days I really struggle with it.

Ultimately, I truly love fencing,” she said. “I keep reminding myself of that. While winning an Olympic medal is a goal, I don’t believe it would have been enough to help me overcome everything on its own.

Sport climbing was a new event at the Tokyo Olympics, and Jesse Gruper followed it closely. Though he wasn’t there in person, Gruper – a mechanical engineer who began climbing at age six and competing at eleven – has become increasingly successful in the sport.

He earned a gold medal in the men’s combined event at the 2023 Pan American Games, securing his spot in the Paris Olympics. Currently, he’s conducting engineering research at Harvard, focusing on rehabilitation and educational tools using soft robotics. He also worked part-time remotely for the Harvard Biodesign Lab while competing on the World Cup circuit.

Jesse explained to Olympics.com that climbing and mechanical engineering actually have quite a bit in common. Both involve problem-solving – starting with a broad goal and finding a way to achieve it. He emphasized that success in both fields requires creativity, hard work, and dedication.

Dani Jackovich, an Australian water polo player (shown on the right), stays connected to the sport even after her competitive career at Stanford. She currently works as an operations coordinator for swimwear company Delfina Sport and as a data analyst for the water polo technology firm 6-8 Sports.

Making her Olympic debut in Paris feels unreal, Dani told Go Stanford. Her journey to get here wasn’t easy, and she once thought her dream would never happen. But her passion for the sport kept her going, allowing her to compete and travel the world. That challenging path makes finally achieving her childhood dream even more meaningful.

Anne Cebula had visited Paris previously, as she’d done a lot of modeling work. However, this trip was different – it marked her debut as an Olympic fencer. She first became fascinated with the sport at age 10 while watching the 2008 Beijing Games, captivated by its beauty.

Anne compared a fencing match to an opera, explaining to Access Daily that the intense emotional outbursts – people shouting and celebrating – are usually reserved for the very end of a sporting event. However, in fencing, that energy is constant throughout the entire competition.

Her parents wouldn’t let her take fencing lessons because they cost too much. However, five years later, she was able to join the popular fencing club at Brooklyn Technical High School, a public school she attended.

Anne fenced for Columbia University and earned a spot in Paris as one of the top American women’s epee fencers. She kept modeling, but left her job as a receptionist to focus on training—spending five hours a day, five days a week, perfecting her skills.

Fencing completely transformed my life, and I owe so much of what I’ve achieved to it. It breaks my heart to think there are probably kids right here in the city who don’t even know fencing exists, or who can’t afford to try it. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing this sport – I truly believe there’s incredible talent out there just waiting to be discovered.

Four-time Olympic rower Meghan Musnicki, nicknamed “Moose,” retired after the Tokyo Olympics, got married, and started her first traditional job at age 39, working in Human Resources for a data company in the Bay Area. However, she was drawn back to competitive rowing and entered the 2022 Henley Royal Regatta in England. Surprisingly, she and her teammate won the competition, despite participating for enjoyment.

The athlete shared with Women’s Health that she realized she could still compete at an Olympic level, seeing that she was keeping pace with those training as a full-time job. She wondered, ‘If I love training and my body can handle the pressure, why shouldn’t I?’

Meghan’s husband, Skip Kielt, is a rowing coach, and she began training with his team, which was primarily made up of male athletes, all while continuing to work full-time. She balanced her job, working remotely from 7:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., with intense training. In early 2024, she relocated to Princeton, New Jersey, to rejoin the national team and pursue a spot on the crew heading to Paris.

It would have been a couples’ trip regardless—she says he’s always been supportive of her dreams—but this Olympics is also special for Skip, as he’s making his debut as the coach of the U.S. men’s team.

Meghan explained that people don’t pursue this activity for financial gain or public recognition. They do it simply because they’re passionate about it.

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2025-12-24 00:19