Results are irrelevant

Still working her way back into shape and learning how to handle equipment that has evolved during her retirement, Vonn has struggled lately, unable to finish three of her last six events. Her best result at the recently concluded world championships was 15th place in the downhill.

Retired British racer turned BBC skiing commentator Chemmy Alcott competed with Vonn in the past and remembers how her fellow skier kept fighting through pain to come back from a series of crashes and major injuries during her earlier career.

Now, Vonn says she has no pain in her new right knee.

"For me, the results are actually irrelevant," Alcott said. "I mean St Anton was ridiculous, and almost it was too good, too fast, because expectations were crazy. But, just to see her come down with a smile on her face and to be loving it and to be doing it for the sport — because our sport needs these icons — I think is incredible.

"I'm 42 and I couldn't imagine doing what she's doing now," Alcott added. "But, I love seeing her without pain."

Dave Ryding, who just had the best British result in recent memory at the worlds, when he finished sixth in the slalom at age 38, was asked what was tougher: navigating the rapid slalom gates at his age, or what Vonn is doing in the speed events.

"I've not had any years off. It's been every year for a professional athlete. No respite. Since I was 18 I've been living on the road. So, it's a testament to my dedication to the sport," Ryding said.

"But, obviously, what Vonn is doing is pretty freaking awesome, so I don't want to say that I'm anything better than Lindsey Vonn."

Ryding, who became the first British winner in World Cup history when he took a slalom victory in Kitzbuehel, Austria, three years ago, is still trying to determine if he'll continue competing through next year's Milano-Cortina Olympics.

He cited Johan Clarey, the Frenchman who won a silver medal in downhill aged 41 at the Beijing Games three years ago, as an inspiration.

"To be so focused for two runs is really difficult. The mental intensity at my age is tough. I think that's why slalom skiers don't go to 40," Ryding said. "I have no real aspirations to be racing at 40, because it's tough as hell."