Retiring from her alpine ski racing career in 2019 was the hardest decision Lindsey Vonn ever made. Deciding to return to the slopes, however, was easy. And when she did, in late 2024, “everything finally clicked,” said Vonn. One partial knee replacement and 2,565 days after her last World Cup podium in 2018, the four-time overall champion was back with a second-place super-G finish in March — stronger than ever.
“I’ve been on skis for as long as I can remember,” said Vonn. Her father, Alan Kildow, as a junior ski racer, won the junior national championships himself three times before retiring due to an injury at 18 years old. Kildow took Vonn and her siblings to Buck Hill in Minnesota from the moment they could stand; “a mere 260 vertical feet,” said Vonn, “but it’s where everything started for me.”
Vonn, like her father, was coached by Austrian ski racing legend Erich Sailer. “He’s been part of my life from the very beginning.” Sailer, who passed away in August 2025, at the age of 99, made a lasting impact on Vonn. “He shaped not just the skier I became, but also the person. I owe so much of my love for the sport, and my start in it, to him.”
VICTORIES ON THE SLOPES
Today, Vonn’s list of sporting triumphs is extensive: 20 World Cup crystal globe titles and a record of eight World Cup season titles in the downhill discipline.
But competing in the Olympics started out as a childhood dream. When she was nine years old, she met her idol, American former World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street, at a book signing. It was an experience that has stayed with Vonn. “To have a role model like that so early on had a huge impact on me,” she said. “It was the spark that inspired me to sit down with my dad and create and execute a plan to make the Olympics.”
Years of training later, she did it. Not only did she win gold in downhill skiing at the 2010 Winter Olympics, she was the first American woman to ever do so. “The whole experience was the best moment of my career,” said Vonn. Stepping onto the podium while representing her country was something she still struggles to put into words. “I had worked my entire life for that moment. It was a culmination of so many sacrifices coming to fruition.”
RETIREMENT
Skiing was always Vonn’s greatest passion. “I’ve never been great at other sports.” As a kid, she tried gymnastics, figure skating and soccer, though nothing matched her spark for ski racing. After years of enduring harsh environments and rigorous training, her knees began to feel the strain. Retiring from the sport was not an easy choice. “I would have kept skiing if I could, but my body was broken beyond repair.”
Retirement gave her time to explore other parts of life. She took up tennis and dabbled in water sports. “I also love the water. I have been trying a lot of water sports like wake surfing and diving.”
EXPRESSING HERSELF WITH FASHION
Over the years, Vonn has partnered with ski apparel brands like HEAD Sportswear to create signature collections. “Developing my ski clothing collections has been a way to bring my own taste into the sportswear world.”
Vonn likes getting involved in the minute details of the design process. “In particular, little things like zippers and pocket placement.” Connecting the worlds of high fashion and sport has been deeply fulfilling for Vonn. When she created a ski line for Gucci several years ago, she called it “a dream come true.”
But she’s also found space to tap into her long-standing interest in non-technical clothes. “With skiing, you’re in a speed suit most of the time and it doesn’t leave much room for self-expression,” she said.
Along the way, she discovered an unexpected bonus to her ties to the luxury fashion space. “I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible brands over the years, and what I value most are the friendships I’ve built along the way.” One of those friendships is with American fashion designer Thom Browne. “I’ve always connected with his work. His pieces are so intentional, sharp and timeless.” Another friendship she holds dear is with Gabriela Hearst. “[She’s] such a visionary and inspiration,” she said.
A RETURN TO SKIING
Even after retiring from skiing, Vonn continued to experience intense physical pain that impacted her daily life. “Even stuff as small as taking my dogs for a walk was a struggle at times.” A partial knee replacement was Vonn’s shot at relief. “The choice to have the surgery felt like an opportunity to take my life back.” At the time, however, Vonn wasn’t thinking about racing again, “it was merely an attempt to put an end to the daily pain I felt.”
Then she hit the slopes. The first time she skied after the surgery, she had zero physical discomfort. “I was skiing pain-free,” she said. That’s when she quickly realized she had a shot at skiing professionally again. In November 2024, she announced she was coming out of retirement, just seven months following her surgery. By March 23, 2025, she had achieved her first World Cup podium finish since retirement. “It was proof to myself that I still had what it takes, and that believing in myself was worth it.”
And she has no plans of slowing down. Instead, she has set her sights on the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. “Every day is about training, working out and making sure my body is as strong and prepared as it can be for this winter.” A second chance, an encore in many ways, to continue her groundbreaking career. This time, pain-free and on her own terms. It’s an opportunity Vonn is grateful for. “That alone is such a gift. No matter what my results are, I’ve already won.”
