BEIJING - American alpine skiing great Lindsey Vonn has come back from retirement and looks ahead to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, whose one-year countdown falls on Thursday.

Winter Olympic champion Vonn decided to retire in 2019, admitting that her body was "broken beyond repair." While in the current season, she returned to World Cups in downhill and Super-G events since December last year.

"I am looking toward Cortina as a potential finish line for this comeback," 40-year-old Vonn noted in an opinion piece to the International Olympic Committee recently.

"I've always loved a challenge. My journey back to competitive skiing has been driven by my love of the sport, going fast, and the exhilaration that drew me to the slopes," she added.

Vonn claimed gold in the women's downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics and topped the podium at World Cups for 82 times.

During her career, Vonn suffered many injuries and believed that retiring from the sport was a necessity.

"It was devastating to leave the sport I loved so much, but I knew it was the only choice for the sake of my physical wellness. I got my knee replaced, so I could keep exploring, stay active, play tennis, and pursue all the adventures I'd always envisioned for myself, but I never imagined it would bring me back to competition," she recalled.

As she realized how well her new knee was functioning, Vonn couldn't help but wondering how far she could push it forward. With extensive consideration and clearance from her medical team, she embarked on the comeback path.

"I went into this with low expectations, but with so much joy, and each step forward has pleasantly surprised me, and most importantly I am having fun," she remarked. "Thanks to skiing, I've been fortunate enough to build an incredible life, and even though I had the most amazing and rewarding time building my foundation and businesses, nothing compares to the joy I feel whenever I'm on the slopes."

Cortina is a special place to the veteran, where Vonn first realized her potential to win, and the mountains there were like home to her. So the comeback journey to the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics means a lot to her.

"I've always felt a special connection with that mountain - like I could see the right line, understand its demands, and do what it takes to succeed. I've made countless wonderful memories in Cortina," she said.

For Milan-Cortina 2026, she also expressed her high expectation. "I look forward to seeing Milan-Cortina 2026 as an anticipated highest-ever female participation at a Winter Games. Kids will see the athletes and dream bigger because of it. My hope is for spectators to experience these distinct locations, taking in the breathtaking Dolomites and everything else Cortina and these Games will offer."

"People worldwide look to the Games as a beacon of unity, hope, pride and inspiration," Vonn said. "Paris last summer revived a global passion for the Games, captivating audiences in a fresh way. I'm confident that Cortina will keep that momentum going and spark new enthusiasm for winter sports."