It is not easy to make a career in skiing. Just ask Lindsey Vonn. She will help you understand with the tales of her broken bones and torn muscles on how tough it is. But there was a certain someone who inspired her to never quit. As she once shared on the Dear Chelsea podcast, “I think my mom impacted me in more ways than I even really truly understand now.”  And it seems all these years later, even now her mother’s words are watching over her. And Lindsey makes it pretty apparent.

But then again, she is “The” Lindsey Vonn’s mother and a tough nut herself. From an early age, Lindsey witnessed her mother face challenges that would have broken most. A stroke shortly after giving birth left her unable to move her arms or legs, limiting the physical bond they could share. Yet instead of mulling over the hardship, Mama Vonn embraced each day with unwavering positivity.

In Linda Anne’s own words, “Today is another great day.” That relentless optimism became a guiding force in Lindsey’s life. And even after losing her, Vonn never misses an opportunity to honor the woman who shaped her spirit. So when a question was posed by the Olympics official X handle, as revealed on X, “We asked these female athletes which women inspired them the most, Lindsey Vonn’s answer was immediate and deeply personal.

“The woman that shaped my life the most is definitely my mom. She was a huge inspiration to me. She faced a lot of adversity in her life, and she was always so positive and had such a great outlook on life.” Shaping Vonn’s childhood, this advice became the core of her identity as an athlete. Every painful injury, every comeback was all fueled by the lessons her mother had unknowingly instilled in her.

Last year, Lindsey Vonn took a moment to reflect on March 26th, her mother’s birthday. She shared a heartfelt post, marking what would have been Linda Anne’s 71st year. The day served as a painful reminder of her mother’s absence, but rather than focus on grief, Vonn chose gratitude. In an emotional Instagram tribute, she expressed how deeply she missed her mother.

How thankful she was for the time they had together. Her mother’s influence has shaped Vonn in ways far beyond the ski slopes. But even with that resilience, the road was never easy. While her mother’s words might have helped her overcome the injuries and steel her mind, can words really win against the very real pain of skiing? Well, Lindsey Vonn will have to see through that very soon.

Lindsey Vonn looks ahead to the future amidst injuries

With a passion for skiing that refuses to fade, the American legend made a bold return to competition in November 2024. This time with a titanium knee. Lindsey Vonn had her sights set on the 2025 Alpine World Championships. But while she gave her best in the downhill race, she had to settle for a 15th finish as US teammate Breezy Johnson took the win. And let’s just say the fan weren’t happy.

But as criticism mounted over her comeback attempt, Vonn had a response. “Life is short, and we only have one shot… we can’t give up! Sometimes it’s easy to let negative thoughts get in the way of chasing our dreams,” she wrote in an Instagram post, sharing a video that encapsulated her entire journey. Her victories, her struggles, and the relentless drive that kept her going.

Doubters had counted her out before. “I can’t tell you how many times people told me that I wouldn’t come back. I had two ACL surgeries, MCL, and meniscus,” she had revealed back in 2020, after undergoing nine surgeries. With her eyes set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, the 40-year-old remains committed to proving that passion dictates an athlete’s future. “This is 2025—a lot of things have changed,” she told Sports Illustrated, determined to shatter outdated expectations and redefine what’s possible.

That deep sense of appreciation for her mother has always been at the heart of Vonn’s journey. Believe in herself, trust her ability, and never let anyone say she can’t. Her mother’s words taught her to push through pain, doubt, and every obstacle in her way. What do you think about this strong love Vonn has for the sport? Let us know in the comments.