Lindsey Vonn suffers more criticism for competing at 40 than Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton

Lindsey Vonn of the United States watches an alpine ski training session for the women’s World Cup downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, on Friday, January 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Maria Pizzato, File.)

Lindsey Vonn of the United States accelerates down an alpine ski slope during the women’s World Cup Super-G in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/ Giovanni Zenoni)

Lindsey Vonn of the United States accelerates down the slope during an alpine ski women’s World Cup downhill race in Garmisch, Germany, on Saturday, January 25, 2025. (AP Photo/ Giovanni Maria Pizzato)

Lindsey Vonn of the United States reacts after finishing an alpine ski in the women’s World Cup super G in Garmisch, Germany, on Sunday, January 26, 2025. (AP Photo/ Piermarco Tacca)

Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States accelerates down the slope during the first run of a women’s World Cup slalom on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Courchevel, France. AP Photo/Gabriele Facciotti.

Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States approaches the finish line after competing in a women’s World Cup slalom in Courchevel, France, on Thursday, January 30, 2025. AP Photo/Gabriele Facciotti.

SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria (AP) – Tom Brady, who played in the NFL after 40, faced 300-pound defensive lineman who wanted to sack him.

Lewis Hamilton, a 40-year-old driver, was not informed he was too old to compete in Formula One.

Marcel Hirscher’s return to ski racing after a five-season hiatus was met with fewer questions than expected.

Lindsey Vonn’s 40-year-old comeback this season was met with scepticism in Europe, despite having spent similar time away from the sport as Hirscher.

Before Vonn returned in December, two-time Olympic champion Michaela Dorfmeister indicated that the American “should see a psychologist,” asking on Austrian television, “Does she want to kill herself?”

Austrian downhill legend Franz Klammer remarked “she’s gone completely insane,” while four-time overall World Cup winner Pirmin Zurbriggen added Vonn “hasn’t recognised the meaning and purpose of her other life in recent years.”

“I don’t believe I deserved the insulting comments to the extent that they were made. I expected criticism for asking, ‘Is my knee safe?’ Vonn addressed her partly titanium-reconstructed right knee at the world championships on Monday, stating that it is a fair question.

“But there were a lot of questions about my personality, psychological state, and life outside of skiing. And that was extremely improper and insulting, and I did not deserve that,” Vonn said. ” And, truthfully, no one deserved it. However, no one asked Marcel such questions. Nobody questioned Marcel if his life was fulfilled outside of ski racing or if he needed to consult a psychologist. That was specifically intended at me. And that’s fairly messed up.”

Hirscher specialises in the less risky disciplines of slalom and giant slalom, whereas Vonn competes downhill and super-G, where speeds may reach 80 mph (130 kph).

But lots of men have raced downhill after the age of 40. In January 2023, 42-year-old Johan Clarey finished second in the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel, Austria—setting the record for the oldest podium finisher.

Vonn demonstrated her continued competitiveness by finishing sixth and fourth in a downhill and super-G race in St. Anton, Austria, last month. She is still regaining her speed and has had a few small falls during her comeback, but she has had more time to restore her timing before competing in the world championships at another Austrian resort, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.

Vonn described the reception to her return to the United States as “amazing.”

“Everyone has been incredibly supportive. “I’ve only received criticism in Europe,” Vonn explained.

“A lot of ladies my age are quite pleased with what I’m doing. “It means a lot to them,” Vonn explained. “I believe it signifies something to women, too, that we can pursue our aspirations regardless of our age. We don’t have to do something by a set time. We can still be ambitious. “Just because we are 40 doesn’t mean it’s over.”

Vonn wants to pair up with Shiffrin for the new combined race at worlds.

Aside with her two solo races, super-G and downhill, Vonn hopes to join forces with Mikaela Shiffrin in the new team combined event next week.

The women’s event, conducted on February 11, will include one squad member participating in downhill and the other in slalom, with their two timings combined to decide the final results.

Shiffrin and Vonn have the most World Cup victories among female racers, with 99 and 82, respectively. Vonn has the most World Cup downhill victories (43), while Shiffrin has the most slalom victories (62), both among men and women.

“I think it would be probably one of the coolest things in ski racing to have 181 World Cup victories on one team,” Vonn stated in 2009. “I can’t imagine how that wouldn’t be fantastic. I’m not sure how she’s doing physically, and I haven’t spoken with her since she returned. So I am not sure if she is even competing in the combined. But if there’s a chance to compete with her, I’d be thrilled.”

Shiffrin returned to the track last week, finishing 10th in a World Cup slalom in Courchevel, France. It was her first race in two months after colliding and sustaining a major puncture wound to her side.

If Shiffrin isn’t prepared for the combined, Vonn proposed she partner up with Paula Moltzan. Vonn and Moltzan grew up skiing at Buck Hill in Minnesota.

“We’re from the same small town,” Vonn explained. “It would be incredibly awesome to run beside her. But I’d be thrilled to compete with any of my colleagues.”

The championships begin with a team parallel event on Tuesday, in which neither Vonn nor Shiffrin will compete.

Andrew Dampf

Dampf is an Associated Press sportswriter working in Rome. He covers a diverse range of sports in Italy and Europe.

The Associated Press is an independent worldwide news organisation that focusses on factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP is still the most trusted source of rapid, accurate, and unbiased news in all media, as well as the primary provider of technology and services required by the news industry. Every day, more than half of the world’s population sees Associated Press journalism.

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Moving Beyond the Rift, Lindsey Vonn Sends a Strong Message to Mikaela Shiffrin & Co. Following Their Triumphant Skiing Season Finale

In February 2025, the world of ski racing was rocked by an unexpected rupture between two of the sport’s biggest legends, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. With over 180 World Cup triumphs, the two American great previously enjoyed mutual affection. In 2022, Vonn projected Shiffrin will exceed her record of 82 World Cup titles and become “the greatest skier in history.” Shiffrin expressed thanks for Vonn’s sentiments, calling them “very meaningful.” But in February 2025, everything changed. Something drove the once-supportive team to split up—an occurrence that shocked the ski racing community to its core. (We’ll get into the violent confrontation later.) However, just when supporters were about to give up hope of reunion, a ray of optimism appeared.

On March 27, at the World Cup ski racing season finale, Vonn surprised everyone with an unexpected gesture. It happened just after Mikaela Shiffrin’s stunning performance, which earned her 101st World Cup victory. But it wasn’t only her outcome that made news. This was Vonn’s reaction.

Lindsey Vonn demonstrates her efforts to melt away the ice

The animosity between Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin appeared to be warming until a moment that made the ski world feel that peace was genuinely on the horizon. Lindsey Vonn made a subtle gesture towards peace on March 27, 2025. On her Instagram account, she reposted a photo of the US Ski Team celebrating their victory at the Women’s World Cup finals in Sun Valley. The ski racers were smiling and wrapping their arms around each other, soaking in the joy of their incredible season. Vonn’s post, “Congrats Mikaela, Paula, and the whole @usskiteam for an amazing year!!,” drew attention beyond the shot itself. And a great World Cup finals. @sunvalley.” How about a simple congratulations? Not exactly. It was a straightforward attempt to heal ties with Shiffrin. After weeks of public hostility and rumours, Vonn’s speech seemed like a humble but significant peace gesture. However, while fans were still talking over Vonn’s generosity, Shiffrin created waves of her own with a performance that deserved to be shouted from the mountaintops.

On Thursday (March 27), Mikaela Shiffrin once again demonstrated why she is the greatest skier of all time. The 30-year-old had to deal with uneven terrain, technical issues, and harsh circumstances while racing on a gruelling World Cup track. However, none of it could break her. With unrelenting focus, she set the quickest time on the first run, slicing over the difficult hill with pinpoint precision. During the second run, she stayed icy. There are no anxieties or excitement—only pure attention. Shiffrin won her 101st World Cup in a combined time of 1:45.92, wrapping up a season that tested her like no other. But this wasn’t an easy season. It started with back-to-back slalom triumphs, and she appeared like she was going to dominate. But fate had different intentions.

Mikaela was unavailable for four of the ten planned events due to a nasty injury sustained midway through the season. For most athletes, this would have meant doom. But not Shiffrin. She returned with a fury, with each race demonstrating her resilience. With each turn and carve, she demonstrated once more why she is the most dominant skier the sport has ever seen. Lindsey Vonn was watching from afar, as she had anticipated three years previously. Mikaela was previously predicted to be the greatest skier in history by the same woman. Vonn had come to celebrate the fulfilment of her prophecy. It was a full circle moment for the two of them! But what caused their separation in February?

What are your thoughts on:

Can Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin genuinely rebuild their relationship, or is the harm permanent?

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Debate

The sudden rift generated earthquakes.

Lindsey Vonn was excited to join Mikaela Shiffrin for a new combined event at the Alpine World Championships in January 2025—a race in which two specialists competed as a team. Since her retirement in 2019, it may have been their first partnership, so Vonn’s enthusiasm was understandable. However, it never occurred.

To begin, Shiffrin was dealing with serious mental health issues following her Killington disaster, which led the skiing great to withdraw from the Giant Slalom competition in Saalbach. She did, however, make a fantastic return at the Team combined event on February 11th, partnering with fellow American skier Breezy Johnson. The two had a combined time of 2:40.89, winning gold in downhill. Although it was a fantastic occasion for the American skiing community, Lindsey Vonn, who had previously expressed a desire to partner up with Shiffrin, was not pleased to be sidelined. The 40-year-old conveyed her dissatisfaction with sharp statements. What should have been a historic coupling became a squandered chance, hurting their relationship. But this is not a sad story.

Lindsey Vonn made history last week by finishing second in the Super-G race at the World Cup championships in Sun Valley, Idaho. It was her first podium result since she returned. The Olympic champion’s victory was memorable for various reasons. She became the oldest individual to reach the podium at the Women’s World Cup. Furthermore, she accomplished all of this despite having suffered several injuries and operations. Vonn’s success also had sentimental meaning for her; she was frequently reminded by doubters that she was too old and unable to compete against younger skiers, but Vonn refused to give up. “It’s been a difficult season, with people telling me I can’t, that I’m too old, and that I’m not good enough anymore. I believe I proved everyone incorrect. To make matters even better, Vonn now want to move past the bitterness and enjoy in the celebration that was genuinely made possible by the joint work of every single skier on Team USA. As a result, she attempted to reconcile with Mikaela Shiffrin. Honestly, we are ready for it!

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Mikaela Shiffrin reflects on the milestone Alpine season

Mikaela Shiffrin’s 2024/25 Alpine skiing season was a testament to her resilience and determination. The season began with promise as she secured her 99th World Cup victory in the inaugural slalom event in Gurgl. However, a significant setback occurred on November 30, 2024, when Shiffrin suffered a deep puncture wound to her abdomen during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont. This injury required surgery and led to a two-month hiatus from competition.

Shiffrin made her return to the slopes on January 30, 2025, at a slalom event in Courchevel, finishing tenth—a modest result by her standards but a crucial step in her recovery journey. Reflecting on this period, she emphasized the importance of finding confidence beyond victories, focusing on personal growth and resilience.

A landmark moment came on February 23, 2025, when Shiffrin achieved her 100th World Cup win in Sestriere, Italy, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s greats. She concluded the season with her 101st victory at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, on March 27, 2025.

Throughout the season, Shiffrin candidly discussed the mental challenges she faced, including dealing with PTSD-like symptoms following her injury. Her openness about these struggles has been praised for highlighting the psychological aspects of athletic competition and recovery.

In reflecting on her season, Shiffrin expressed gratitude for the support from her team and fans, acknowledging that the journey encompassed more than just the victories—it was about overcoming adversity and personal growth.

For a more personal insight into her experiences, you can watch her interview discussing her 101st World Cup win and her recovery journey:

Mikaela Shiffrin on record breaking 101 World Cup wins

Mikaela Shiffrin: A Journey to 101 World Cup Victories

Mikaela Shiffrin’s ascent in alpine skiing has been nothing short of extraordinary. With her recent 101st World Cup win, she has not only solidified her position as one of the sport’s greatest athletes but has also set new benchmarks for future generations. This article delves into her journey, the challenges she overcame, and the significance of her latest achievement.

Early Life and Introduction to Skiing

Born on March 13, 1995, in Vail, Colorado, Mikaela Shiffrin was introduced to skiing at a young age. Her parents, both former ski racers, recognized her potential early on and provided the support and guidance necessary for her development. By the time she was a teenager, Shiffrin was already making waves in the junior circuit, showcasing a level of skill and composure that belied her age.

Rise to Prominence

Shiffrin made her World Cup debut in March 2011 at just 16 years old. Her breakthrough came in December 2012 when she secured her first World Cup victory in Åre, Sweden, in the slalom discipline. This win marked the beginning of a series of successes that would see her dominate the slalom and giant slalom events. By the age of 18, she had already clinched a gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, becoming the youngest slalom champion in Olympic history.

Dominance in Alpine Skiing

Over the years, Shiffrin’s prowess extended beyond slalom. She demonstrated versatility by excelling in multiple disciplines, including giant slalom, super-G, and downhill. Her meticulous approach to training, combined with an unwavering focus, allowed her to consistently outperform her competitors. By March 2023, she surpassed Ingemar Stenmark’s record of 86 World Cup wins, a milestone that had stood since 1989.

The Road to 100 and Beyond

The 2024-2025 season presented significant challenges for Shiffrin. In November 2024, during the Stifel Killington Cup in Vermont, she suffered a severe crash in the giant slalom event. The accident resulted in a deep puncture wound to her abdomen, requiring surgery and leading to a two-month hiatus from competition. The physical and psychological toll was immense, with Shiffrin later revealing struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the incident.

Despite these setbacks, Shiffrin’s resilience shone through. She made her competitive return in January 2025, finishing 10th in a slalom event in Courchevel, France. The following month, on February 23, she achieved her 100th World Cup victory in Sestriere, Italy, winning the slalom with a commanding performance. This triumph was particularly poignant, symbolizing her successful comeback from injury and reaffirming her status at the pinnacle of the sport.

The Historic 101st Victory

Shiffrin’s 101st World Cup win came shortly after, at the Women’s World Cup Finals in Sun Valley. Competing in the slalom, she posted the fastest time in the first run and secured the victory with a 1.13-second lead over Germany’s Lena Dürr. This win was a testament to her enduring excellence and ability to perform under pressure, even after a tumultuous season.

Statistical Breakdown of Shiffrin’s Wins

Shiffrin’s 101 World Cup victories span multiple disciplines, highlighting her versatility:

• Slalom: 63 wins
• Giant Slalom: 22 wins
• Super-G: 5 wins
• Downhill: 4 wins
• City Event: 3 wins
• Parallel Slalom: 2 wins
• Alpine Combined: 1 win

Her dominance in slalom is particularly noteworthy, with 63% of her victories coming from this discipline.

Impact Beyond the Slopes

Beyond her competitive achievements, Shiffrin has been instrumental in promoting skiing and making it more accessible. In conjunction with her 100th victory, she partnered with the Share Winter Foundation to raise $100,000 aimed at funding programs that introduce skiing and snowboarding to underprivileged youth. This initiative underscores her commitment to giving back to the community and fostering the next generation of skiers.

Overcoming Adversity

Shiffrin’s journey has not been without personal challenges. The loss of her father in 2020 profoundly impacted her, leading to a period of introspection and grief. Coupled with injuries and the pressures of maintaining peak performance, these experiences have tested her mental fortitude. Her ability to navigate these hardships and return to top form speaks volumes about her resilience and dedication.

Comparisons and Legacy

In the realm of alpine skiing, Shiffrin’s accomplishments are unparalleled. Her 101 World Cup wins place her ahead of legends like Lindsey Vonn, who retired with 82 victories. While comparisons are often drawn between athletes across eras, Shiffrin’s consistency, versatility, and longevity set her apart. Her achievements have sparked discussions about the longevity of female athletes in sports, especially in comparison to their male counterparts. For instance, Lindsey Vonn faced criticism upon returning to competition at age 40, highlighting the double standards that often exist in sports.