Behind Lindsey Vonn’s success on the skiing circuit over the years, there was a pivotal moment in her youth that became the launchpad for her dreams. This moment made Vonn fall in love with the slopes that eventually led to one of the most prolific alpine ski races in the making.
This instance led to a career marked by three Olympic and eight World Championship medals, as well as 82 FIS Ski World Cup victories. The 41-year-old recently shed light on this pivotal point in her life that changed the trajectory of her career.
What Did Lindsey Vonn Say Regarding the Roots of Her Skiing Career?
Vonn’s roots in skiing date back to her trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where she began skiing at a young age. In the initial part of her career, Vonn spent ample time in Colorado learning the skills of alpine skiing.
In an interview, Vonn said while explaining the backdrop behind an old picture from her Colorado days in her younger years, “It’s where it all started, Steamboat Springs. I think this is my first family trip to Colorado. We drove out in Grandpa Don’s ski mobile suburban, and yeah, thart’s where it all began.”
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Several years later, Vonn succeeded in becoming a professional skier and competed for the United States, making her Olympic debut at the tender age of 17 in 2002 at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. She then went on to compete in four more quadrennial games, with the upcoming Milan Cortina slotted in to be the sixth one overall.
Vonn Sheds Light on Her Physical Fitness Months Leading Up to the Winter Olympics 2026
Vonn has been preparing intensely for the Winter Olympics next February. The 41-year-old has spent hours on training in the gym and on the slopes to leave no stone unturned, leading up to the Milan Cortina event.
Speaking about her physical fitness, Vonn confidently remarked that her fitness is in the best possible state. “I think I’m in potentially the best shape of my life, which is saying something at my age,” Vonn said. “Because of my knee replacement, I literally can do anything I want to do. I’m not restricted.”
The Minnesota native further remarked on the expectations she has for herself, stating, “I’m the harshest critic of anyone. No matter what expectation the world has on me, I definitely have higher expectations.”
Vonn hasn’t competed in any official races so far in the 2025-26 season. The American skier ended her last season on a high with a second-place finish in Sun Valley, so it will be interesting to see how she fares in her preceding races before the Milan Cortina Olympics.