Fortune has struck Lilia Vu, and in just a few days she will make her Olympic debut at the Le Golf National in Paris. The 26-year-old pro has had quite a surprising year, as she had to take a two-month hiatus after suffering from a back injury. She had to withdraw from her title defense at the Chevron Championship and go through an intensive recovery before hitting the course.

In that period, Vu realized an important thing about the game of golf. And that was quite stunningly visible as she clinched her third LPGA Tour victory at the Meijer LPGA Classic. As she gears up for the Paris showdown, the 2-time major winner highlighted the important lesson that has changed her as a golfer.

Recovering from a back injury has left Lilia Vu grateful

Lilia Vu’s back issues have followed her since her major victory in the 2023 season. However, she pushed things back and focused on her game more than her body. As that reluctance cost her, it also dawned on her the realization of being a bit ungrateful. At the CPKC Women’s Open, as Vu contends for her sixth win, she was asked at the press conference about the change in her game after returning from the back injury.

The 5-time LPGA Tour winner explained the change, which was not with her swing but with her attitude. She said, “I think coming back from this injury, I’m able to look at golf through a different lens. I am still pretty critical of myself, but I’m very grateful to be able to play in a tournament.”

The LPGA Tour star further added that before taking the hiatus, she was “not grateful” and was upset with the niggling injury stopping her. However, she accepted that she was always in a position that many would wish for. So, the only adjustment that the 26-year-old major winner has made, she says, is “kind of looking at it [golf] in a grateful lens.” 

Even with her new outlook on the game, Vu still might have some pain in her back. A month ago, the 5-time LPGA Tour player shared that the injury was related to her lower belly breathing and that it affected everything—swinging, sitting, or even lying down. But she has learned to control her breathing and play in a way that wouldn’t be painful while swinging.

Nonetheless, Vu has made significant progress and now looks forward to her first Olympic medal chase and one thing she wants to do after landing in Paris.

Lilia Vu shares her plan for the Summer Olympics

The women’s game at the Paris Olympics will start on August 7th, so Lilia Vu will have plenty of time after the CPKC Women’s Open to recharge and play better at Le Golf National. Unluckily, Vu could not attend the opening ceremony as she was playing at the Earl Grey Golf Club. And she described that it hit way more seeing the story of Morgan Pressel and missing out on the fun.

There were some 500 American athletes at the Olympics’ opening ceremony, and watching from far away, Vu expressed, “I got really emotional from it… I can’t wait to be there.” The two-time major winner shared that she has been excited to meet different athletes from all around the world at the Olympic Village.

And she detailed the first thing she would do with them. Vu said, “I actually bought some of my own pins to trade with people.” It will be an exciting event as Vu will make her debut with reigning gold medalist Nelly Korda, trying to win the medal once again. As the 26-year-old adjusted to her new self after the injury, it would be intriguing to witness how beneficial it would turn out at the 2024 Olympics.