Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn is making it clear she’ll decide when to call it quits, not anyone else.
The 41-year-old athlete is pushing back against mounting pressure to retire following a devastating crash that brought her dangerously close to losing her left leg. During a heated social media discussion, Vonn wasn’t having any of the retirement speculation.
The conversation around ending her career has intensified due to her age, extensive injury history, and accomplished competitive record.
Since her terrifying accident on February 8 during the women’s downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Vonn has endured five surgical procedures. The crash occurred just 13 seconds into her run when she caught a gate and flew off the course, resulting in a severe left tibia fracture.
Nevertheless, Vonn maintains her unwavering commitment to continue competing.
“Who said I was retiring?” she responded during the online discussion.
A critic fired back with harsh words: “The ego is so strong with this one. Take your medicine Lindsey. You nearly lost your leg. Put your feet up and be done.”
Vonn’s response revealed her true motivation.
“[I] think you’re mistaking my ego for joy,” she replied. “I’ve said it my whole life; I love skiing. I’ll put my feet up when I’m good and ready thank you.”
Her determination may not please her father Alan Kildow, who publicly urged her to step away from the sport last month.
“She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” Kildow told the Associated Press in February. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”
Vonn had returned from previous retirement with a reconstructed right knee and was expected to compete for Olympic medals before her latest setback. During a World Cup race one week prior to the Olympics, she suffered a torn left ACL but insisted she could still participate in the Games.
The skiing legend was pursuing her second Olympic gold in downhill, having claimed victory in Vancouver in 2010. Her Olympic collection also includes two bronze medals. Throughout her career, she has secured 84 World Cup wins, with two victories coming this season alone.
