Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive in ski racing return at age 40

By Pat Graham and Robert F. Bukaty

When AP learned that Lindsey Vonn, one of the best ski racers in history, was going to begin her previously announced comeback to competition at a lowkey event in Colorado, Pat Graham immediately made plans to travel to frigid Copper Mountain. Photographer Robert Bukaty was also assigned to document Vonn’s first competitive race in six years.

Access to Vonn herself was going to be limited to what Pat and Robert could collect from the slopes, so Pat made sure Vonn was aware he was there after every run over three days, even after other journalists began to leave. On Sunday, Vonn gave Pat an exclusive interview during which she discussed her plans and her reasons for coming back at age 40. The story published Sunday with a strong collection of photos by Robert, followed Vonn’s initial races from a distance and were limited to using statements she posted on social media. Pat’s familiarity with Vonn and his longtime experience covering ski racing played a significant role in landing the story.

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