Lindsey Vonn’s comeback to the skiing world has been nothing short of inspirational. At the age of 40, she shocked the skiing community when she announced that she was returning to the slopes.
Months after her return, she went on to collect a World Cup medal by winning in the Super-G event at the season Finals held in Idaho. What made this comeback possible was surgery and training, but Vonn was also determined to make it happen because of her late mother, who played a central role in her life.
Lindsey Vonn Opens Up on The Personal Reason Behind Return To the Slopes
While Vonn had mentioned in earlier interviews that her comeback was possible because she could do so much post-surgery, her mother’s role cannot be ignored.
Vonn’s mother, Linda Krohn, suffered a stroke that permanently left her physically limited. Seeing her mother face these challenges yet keep trying, Vonn felt a personal responsibility to make the most of her own abilities and honor her mother.
In her recent interview with Outside Magazine for the Winter issue cover story, the 2010 Downhill Olympic champion stated, “She was faced with a lot of challenges in her life and always kept trying. I felt an obligation to do my best because my mom’s injuries from her stroke were permanent, but I could have surgery and work hard and come back. It felt like that was my responsibility to her.”
It is worth noting that Vonn’s sensational comeback also led to her being featured on the cover of TIME Magazine.
Following this, she shared an emotional Instagram post, reflecting on what the honor meant to her and noting how her mother, one of her biggest fans who always loved the magazine, would have been overjoyed to see her on the cover.
Vonn Hits Back at Critics Following Her Skiing Comeback: “I Need to See a Psychologist for What?”
Vonn responded to criticism from skiing legends Michaela Dorfmeister, Franz Klammer, and Pirmin Zurbriggen, who questioned her motives, saying she should see a psychologist, claiming she had “gone completely mad,” and suggesting she was seeking attention.
The 82-time World Cup winner pushed back strongly at the time and continued to stand her ground. In her TIME Magazine October interview and other discussions around her comeback, Vonn also clarified that her return wasn’t about filling a void or chasing relevance, stating that it wasn’t about filling a void or chasing relevance. “I need to see a psychologist for what? What about this is so crazy?,” Vonn questioned.
READ MORE: 41-Year-Old Lindsey Vonn Gives Honest Take About Teaming Up With Younger Teammates
She added, “I don’t need this. I’m doing it because I love it. It’s fun and it’s a challenge. It’s not like I lack fulfillment or purpose.”
She went on to mention that the only risk involved in her comeback is to herself. While negative statements can tear a person down, Vonn explained that, for her, they serve as motivation to push herself harder.
