Tom Brady won a Super Bowl at 43. Lewis Hamilton is preparing to race for Ferrari in Formula 1 at 40. Serena Williams reached the semifinals of the Australian Open at 39. All three inspired Vonn for her comeback.

Meanwhile, U.S. teammate Lauren Macuga dazzled in the Super-G, skiing to her first career World Cup win in 1:17.51. She looked to be in disbelief as she crossed the line and saw the time, a dominant 0.68 seconds clear of Austria’s Stephanie Venier in second. Italy’s Federica Brignone took the final podium spot.

Lindsey Vonn is just getting started on her comeback to ski racing at age 40 with her new titanium knee. She already has an endpoint in mind, though. If she can make it to next year’s Olympics, when women’s races will be held on one of her favorite courses in Cortina d'Ampezzo,

Vonn won a record 43 downhills in her 82-win World Cup career. Her previous World Cup downhill had been in January 2019, placing ninth at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.