Lindsey Vonn’s childhood coach, Erich Sailer, has made a bold prediction regarding the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Sailer, who played a pivotal role in Vonn’s early development as a skier, believes that her recent comeback and performances indicate a strong potential for success in the upcoming Games.
Vonn, who retired in 2019 due to persistent knee injuries, announced her return to competitive skiing in November 2024 after undergoing a partial right knee replacement that alleviated her chronic pain. Since her comeback, she has shown remarkable resilience and determination. In March 2025, Vonn secured a silver medal in the Super-G at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, becoming the oldest woman to medal in an alpine World Cup at the age of 40.
Sailer, who has closely followed Vonn’s career from its inception, commented on her recent achievements:
> “Lindsey’s dedication and passion for the sport are unparalleled. Her recent performances demonstrate that age and past injuries are not hindering her capabilities. I firmly believe she has a strong chance of standing atop the podium in Milan-Cortina.”
Vonn’s affinity for Cortina d’Ampezzo is well-documented. She recorded her first career World Cup podium result there in 2004 and has since achieved 12 victories at the Italian venue, breaking the then-women’s Alpine World Cup victories record in 2016. This history adds weight to Sailer’s prediction, as Vonn has consistently excelled on the Olimpia delle Tofane course where the 2026 Olympic events will be held.
As Vonn continues her rigorous training regimen and participates in World Cup events leading up to the Olympics, her supporters remain optimistic about her prospects. Her journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing that with determination and resilience, athletes can overcome significant obstacles to achieve greatness.
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