Lindsey Vonn isn’t just someone with 82 World Cup wins in skiing. She remains a shining example of how grit and determination combined can make a person achieve unprecedented heights. After all, having a legendary career, any normal athlete would have preferred the comfort of home. But Vonn is not an average Joe! After she retired back in 2019 due to her knee complications, the skiing legend went back to treat the root cause. Even after she emerged stronger than multiple injuries and announced her comeback after 5 long years, negativity was hurled at the 40-year-old. But even amid the worst times, there was always something more to shield her from all the negativity.

Thankfully, apart from her own grit and iron-clad mentality, Vonn had a guardian angel and her blessings– her mother, Lindy Krohn Lund. Reflecting on how her mother still secretly protects her, the 40-year-old is sure that her mother will be incredibly proud of all that this Olympic medalist has achieved in her life. “She’d be proud of me. I reread her journals when she passed, and every time I had a race, she was up at 3 a.m. watching, and in her journal, she would write the date, the time, the place I got,” said Vonn in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated. Lindy Krohn Lund was an undeniably strong woman and thus she could leave such an impact on the Minnesota native.

While remembering the good old days, Vonn broke down in soft tears. After all, the demise of her mother was too sudden. At the time of giving birth to Vonn, Lund suffered an unfortunate stroke that paralyzed her left leg. After struggling with the quality of life with the paralysis, Lund was diagnosed with ALS back in 2021. And within a year of the diagnosis, she left behind the earthly realm in 2022.

Vonn also stated that she feels that her mother keeps her safe at every moment, from all the adversities. She said, “I actually feel very protected, in a weird way, because I know she’s looking out for me, and that gives me strength.” Lindsey Vonn continues to feel the love and affection that is so akin to maternal instinct. 

Meanwhile, Vonn does not only rely on her mother’s divine support always. A woman who fought multiple injuries and struggled with depression and isolation, only to return to the slopes at 40, is she deterred by anything in this world? Probably not! The fearless Lindsey Vonn recently hit back at the ones doubting her comeback. 

Lindsey Vonn hits back at criticism 

People always seem to be more inclined towards the stereotypes. Often when someone tries to break free from the existing stereotypes, things often get awkward. And this was the exact case with Lindsey Vonn. The moment she announced her comeback, she was swarmed with criticisms. Even ex-skiers also mentioned how Vonn might not be fully aware of the deadly consequences her decision can bring upon her.

Frustrated with all the noise, the legendary skier addressed the issue in her interview with Sports Illustrated. Reflecting on all the flak she is getting, Vonn termed it as a ‘close-minded’ way of thinking. She said, “This is 2025—a lot of things have changed. The conversation is not in the same universe as it was 25 years ago. I don’t put any weight behind those comments [from competitors who retired a long time ago], and I actually feel sorry for them.” Vonn further doubled down on her latest medications and stated that others would have benefitted from the same as well. 

The skiing champion does not shy away from speaking her mind. Despite grappling with injuries, mental health issues, and a knee replacement surgery, she made a spectacular return and now has her eyes set firmly on Milan Cortina in 2026. With her do-it-all mentality and her mother’s guiding her at all times, we are sure there are plenty of amazing things in store for Lindsey Vonn in the future!