ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — Lindsey Vonn's second World Cup race back Sunday after nearly six years of retirement was canceled due to strong winds and poor visibility. The highly anticipated event, which was set to take place in the picturesque Swiss resort town of St. Moritz, was called off after organizers deemed the conditions unsuitable for racing.
Vonn, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest skiers of all time, had announced her retirement from professional skiing in 2019. However, she recently made the surprise decision to come out of retirement and compete in a few select events. Her first race back was just a few days ago, and although she didn't quite reach the podium, she showed glimpses of her old form and left fans and pundits alike eager to see what she would do next.
Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. Strong winds and heavy snowfall made it difficult for organizers to prepare the course, and visibility was severely impaired. After consulting with coaches, skiers, and other officials, the decision was made to cancel the event altogether. While this is undoubtedly a disappointment for Vonn and her fans, it's also a prudent decision that prioritizes the safety of all competitors.
Despite the setback, Vonn remains optimistic about her comeback and is already looking ahead to her next event. In a statement released on social media, she expressed her frustration at the cancellation but also her understanding of the decision. 'I'm disappointed that today's race was canceled, but I also know that safety has to come first,' she wrote. 'I'm already looking forward to my next opportunity to get back on the mountain and compete at the highest level.'
Vonn's comeback has generated a lot of excitement and interest in the skiing community, and it will be interesting to see how she performs in her upcoming events. Will she be able to recapture the magic that made her a dominant force on the slopes, or will the layoff have taken too much of a toll on her skills? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – whenever Lindsey Vonn is on the mountain, it's always worth watching.