U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced Thursday morning that alpine great Lindsey Vonn, a Park City resident, will rejoin the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.She said her decision to try and return to ski racing comes after careful consideration following successful knee surgery earlier this year. She has been able to get back to training and test her knee over the past couple of months and will be continuing her progression with the team in Colorado and beyond.“Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey,” said Vonn. “I am looking forward to being back with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women.”Vonn’s return comes off the back of a strong season for the women’s Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Her presence will bring an extra layer of experience to the alpine program led by Mikaela Shiffrin.Vonn, 40, retired from ski racing in 2019 as her injuries piled up. Her last race was in February of that year. She held the all-time record for women’s World Cup victories at 82 until Shiffrin passed her. Shiffrin, with 97 victories going into this season, has the most victories, male or female.“Lindsey has made an indelible mark on alpine skiing and our organization throughout her career. We’re delighted to welcome her back,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Her dedication and passion towards alpine skiing is inspiring and we’re excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here.”Lindsey Vonn, 40, feels strong, pain-free and is ready to compete again this World Cup season. Credit: Courtesy of U.S. Ski & Snowlboard/Sebastian Marko / Red Bull Content PoolVonn recorded her first World Cup victory in 2004 and continued on to win three Olympic medals, 20 World Cup titles (including four overall Crystal Globes), eight World Championship medals, 137 World Cup podiums and 82 World Cup victories.She also suffered multiple injuries during her career, which eventually was the reason for her retirement after 18 seasons on the World Cup tour. Following a partial knee replacement surgery in April, she said she feels stronger than ever.Vonn also continues to work with her personal foundation, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which supports underserved girls through scholarships and empowerment programs, and is still a mentor to current Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes. She hopes she can continue to inspire the next generation of women in sports.“Lindsey is someone who has really been there for me throughout my time on the World Cup circuit,” said Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Bella Wright. “I never got the opportunity to be Lindsey’s teammate in the past, so the opportunity to ski alongside her is extremely exciting! I can’t wait to see what the U.S. women can do this season.” The post Lindsey Vonn rejoins U.S. Ski Team nearly six years after retiring appeared first on Park Record.