Legend Meets Legend: Lindsey Vonn and Aksel Lund Svindal Join Forces for Olympic Comeback

In a major announcement shaking up the Alpine Skiing world, Lindsey Vonn (USA/Head) has confirmed that Aksel Lund Svindal will join her team as coach for the upcoming Olympic season. The two skiing legends — with a staggering combined total of 118 World Cup victories and 218 podiums — are uniting for one of the most highly anticipated comebacks in recent memory.

“I’ve known Aksel for over 20 years,” Vonn shared. “We trained together in Chile and Colorado, and even retired at the same race. Having him by my side now — not just as a friend, but as a coach — is something truly special.”

Vonn, one of the most successful female alpine skiers in history, boasts 82 World Cup victories, 138 podiums, four Overall titles, and 16 discipline globes. Her illustrious career also includes three Olympic medals — highlighted by downhill gold at Vancouver 2010 — and eight World Championship medals, including two golds.

Svindal, one of Norway’s most decorated athletes, brings 36 World Cup victories, 80 podiums, two Overall titles, and nine discipline globes to the partnership. His Olympic tally includes four medals (two gold), and he owns nine World Championship medals, five of them gold.

This collaboration goes beyond numbers. It’s grounded in mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision. Vonn highlighted Svindal’s technical knowledge — particularly with the equipment both used during their careers — as a key asset in her return.

Their bond runs deep. While others questioned Vonn’s bold choices throughout her career, Svindal was always in her corner.

“Some men have questioned my choices in the past,” she noted. “But Aksel has always backed me. He believes in me — and I believe in him. We respect each other, and I think we’ll make a great team.”

From Svindal’s side, the decision to join Vonn was both an honor and a surprise.

Vonn said she wants Svindal to help her embrace aggressive race tactics often seen in men’s skiing, and guide her in fine-tuning her equipment. Svindal agrees that her strengths can make a difference on any given day:

“I definitely see that there will be sections of the racecourse where she can be faster than anyone,” he said. “Sometimes it comes down to strategy when looking at a course. You ask: Where can this race be won?”

Such a partnership is rare at the elite level — a male Olympic champion stepping into a coaching role for a female peer — but it feels both natural and groundbreaking. It’s a meeting of minds and champions, driven by the same relentless pursuit of excellence.

With the 2025–26 Olympic season on the horizon, Vonn’s comeback takes on a new level of ambition with Svindal officially in her corner.

“This comeback is a little bit crazy,” she concluded, “but I think Aksel can really help me. He believes in me, and I know what he brings. We’re both competitors at heart — and now, we’re chasing something special together.”