SPORTS

What’s next, now that skiing legend Lindsey Vonn will return to the slopes?

Nov 15, 2024, 5:00 AM

Former U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn speaks to the IOC before Salt Lake City was named Olympics host agai...

Former U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn speaks to the IOC before Salt Lake City was named Olympics host again as the IOC formally awarded the 2034 Winter Games to the United States bid, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Paris, France. (Ashley Detrick/Salt Lake City Mayor's Office)

(Ashley Detrick/Salt Lake City Mayor's Office)

SALT LAKE CITY — Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn announced that she is ending her retirement at age 40 to rejoin the U.S. Ski Team.

Tom Kelly, who worked closely with Vonn for nearly 20 years as a spokesperson for the U.S. Ski Team, shared his reaction to the big news.

Below is a partial transcript of this interview as well as the full podcast.


KSL NewsRadio modified this interview for brevity and clarity.

HOST JEFF CAPLAN: How long has it been since she last skied professionally?

GUEST TOM KELLY: She retired after the 2019 season. An amazing career, 82 World Cup wins, Olympic gold medal, and many, many other accolades. But her knees have been a problem. She decided to retire from the sport in 2019 [and] has been very active in the sports world over the last five years, but this was a big decision today to get back into ski racing.

CAPLAN: Does she still have the mojo to get it done on the slopes?

KELLY: We’ll see, and I think for Lindsey, it’s her personal goals, it’s ambition … she has to come back, and I think as fans we have to be respectful of that. And maybe not look to put our own goals on her. She has things she’d like to accomplish and we’ll see what those are. I’m sure she will take it step by step. She has been training this fall, both in New Zealand and in Central Europe.

She’ll get back on snow at Copper Mountain, Colorado this weekend. We’ll see where things go over the next month or two.

CAPLAN: What’s the next step? Does she just join the U.S. Ski Team, or does she have to compete for a position?

KELLY: She has been in touch with the ski team for some time, and there actually is a provision that was recently put in place by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation that does allow her as a past champion to come back without a qualifying process.

Listen to the podcast below for the entire interview.

  

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Sports

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe will be retiring after the 2024-25 athletics season....

Mitch Harper, KSL Sports

BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe to retire after 2024-25 season

PROVO, Utah – It’s the end of an era for BYU athletics as Tom Holmoe is set to retire after the 2024-25 season. Holmoe announced the decision on Tuesday. The former BYU football defensive back has been BYU’s athletic director for 20 years. BYU’s athletic season concludes this May. Breaking: BYU announces that AD Tom Holmoe […]

19 hours ago

This photo provided by Bud Light shows Bud Light's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot.  ( Bud Light ...

Mariah Maynes

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Most of the commercials airing during this year's Super Bowl are going for laughs, with advertisers betting that America could use a little break.

3 days ago

FILE - Donald Trump shakes hands with Herschel Walker in New York after agreement on a 4-year contr...

DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

A presidential first: Trump at the Super Bowl, latest chapter in a complicated legacy with football

President Donald Trump is expected to view the 2025 Super Bowl in person, which is a first time attendance for any in-office president.

3 days ago

Former BYU basketball player Jake Shoff died in a car accident. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)...

Mitch Harper, KSL SPORTS

Jake Shoff, former BYU basketball player, dies in car accident

Former BYU basketball player Jake Shoff died in a car crash on Feb. 6 2025.

5 days ago

A Kansas City Chiefs helmet, the Vince Lombardi Trophy and a Philadelphia Eagles helmet are seen be...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

BYU study shows Eagles may be playing “riskier” than the Chiefs on Sunday

The study analyzed eight years of NFL data to determine which coaches were conservative or risky on fourth downs.

5 days ago

referee utah...

Adam Small

Bill seeks to protect referees from violence

A committee of Utah lawmakers supported a bill this week aimed at protecting referees from violence at sporting events in the state.

7 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

What’s next, now that skiing legend Lindsey Vonn will return to the slopes?