“Our Responsibility”: Lindsey Vonn Takes Bold Stand Amidst Junior Alpine World Championships Gender Norm Controversy

Lindsey Vonn has been a prominent name, unlike others in the alpine skiing realm. 4 Olympic medals, and 4 overall world cup titles later, she stands as a trailblazer in many ways, inspiring thousands down the line. Today as the Junior Alpine World Championships row takes centre stage over women’s representation, the icon’s voice resonates louder, backed by the path she has walked.

The Junior Alpine World Championships recently saw a successful run over a week in France. However, despite all that the Championships offered, it lacked coverage of women’s Slalom and Giant Slalom. Lindsey Vonn, observant of the same, announced her perspective on the matter raised by fellow skier.

Lindsey Vonn stands by fellow skier

A day after the Junior World Championships came to an end, Charlie Guest OLY, the Scottish Ski racer, took to her Instagram to address the matter. The skier stated that while the event was indeed successful, not having women’s coverage could impact a great deal on the younger generation. Unintentionally or not, the practice would send a message that “female athletes are not valued,” she adds. Lindsey Vonn, who has faced her share of sexism on the path, regarded Charlie for her courage, for speaking up. She further went on to explain the stem of the problem, offering insights.

Stating that she had made inquiries into the matter, Lindsey Vonn revealed it was not FIS but LOC (Local Organizing Committee) that managed broadcasting. “While I understand it is not always easy to broadcast ski racing, it is our responsibility to invest in both men and women equally,” she added on her Instagram stories.

The icon further put forward the example of Billie Jean King and the impact her actions had on the Tennis industry and offered that it was athletes and administration in power who could help the growth of the sport by helping the rising women’s talent. As Charlie points out, WJC offers a platform for youngsters to grow, and a misstep could have severe implications on athletes’ careers. In defying the wrongs, the youngsters did not fail to present a spectacle.

Fabulous display by women at WJC

In the first broadcast-missed events, Canadian Britt Ricardson took home the Giant Slalom title. Posting 2:01.96, the 20-year-old fetched a first WJC medal. “I’m just super happy,” were Richardson’s words. Next along the line, the Latvian rising name, Dženifera Gērmane, scored 1:22.98 to take home the Slalom title. Victoria Oliver for Downhill, Malorie Blanc for Super -G, and team Alpine alongside Anuk Brändli were other notable names for the event.

Also Read: Watch: Former Alpine Skiing Legend Lindsey Vonn Shares a “Rewarding Challenge” Journey of Her Legacy Line

“We must continue to support women across all sports and I will always do my best to help,” was Lindsey Vonn’s words. The icon’s backing alongside Charlie’s proves a fair path ahead for the young athletes marking their first steps.

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