Vonn returns under shadow of doubt

SANKT-ANTON AM ARLBERG, Austria (AFP) –

Lindsay Vonn of the US races during the St Anton women downhill training session as part of the FIS Ski World Cup held in Sankt Anton am Arlberg, Austria on January 10, 2013.

Four-time overall World Cup champion Lindsey Vonn returns to action on Saturday after a month’s absence, facing serious doubts over her ability to capture a fifth title.

The 28-year-old American has endured a roller-coaster season, being hospitalised with an intestinal ailment before bouncing back to win all three races at Lake Louise.

However, after falling at Val D’Isere in December, she announced she was heading back to the United States for a month’s rest.

Even then she remained in the headlines, revealing that she had been suffering from depression for a number of years.

“It’s great to see all the other girls again at the World Cup and you, the media. I am really enthusiastic to be back,” said Vonn, the overall World Cup champion in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012.

“The break was really important for me. After falling badly, my legs weren’t strong enough. It’s important to listen to your body and that is what I have done,” she said.

Vonn is currently 725 points behind Slovenia’s Tina Maze in the overall standings, but will start as favourite for Saturday’s downhill and the super-G on Sunday.