Alpine skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn will be supported by another Olympic champion on her journey to Milano Cortina 2026: Aksel Lund Svindal.
The retired Norwegian skier, a gold medallist at Vancouver 2010 (downhill) and PyeongChang 2018 (Super-G), has joined Vonn’s coaching team and will soon be working with her during the upcoming training camp in Chile, according to a press release issued by ski manufacturer HEAD on Wednesday (6 August.)
“Bringing Aksel onto my team for this season feels like a natural and incredibly exciting step,” said three-time Olympic medallist Vonn.
“His knowledge of the sport—especially when it comes to equipment and race strategy—is unparalleled, and I’ve always valued his insights. To have him officially on my team as we push for the Cortina Games is a huge boost.
“This comeback is about pushing boundaries and proving what’s possible, and I believe Aksel will help give me the extra edge I need on this ambitious journey.”
Svindal, who shares the same sponsor and has a long-standing friendship with the 40-year-old star from Minnesota, retired from competitive skiing in 2019—the same year as Vonn.
Since then, the second most successful woman in World Cup history made a surprise return last season following a partial knee replacement surgery, securing a podium finish in the Super-G at the Finals in Sun Valley.
Svindal, who often trained with Vonn during his active career and provided advice regarding equipment and race tactics, is ready to start this new adventure: “I love skiing and I’ve stayed connected to the sport since I retired,” he said in the announcement.
“I was a bit surprised when Lindsey called me, but mostly honoured. She is one of the greatest skiers of all time, and I’m very impressed by her determination in this comeback.”
He added: “I can’t wait to see what’s possible in the coming months. I’ve already started working with her coaches and the HEAD Racing team. I’m excited to get back into racing and to work with people I’ve missed these past few years.”
The 2024/25 alpine season will open on 25–26 October in Soelden, Austria, with the first women’s speed events—downhill and Super-G, Vonn’s specialties—scheduled for 10–14 December in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
The alpine skiing events at Milano Cortina 2026 will take place from 7 to 18 February.