“Glad I Had Said Yes”: Lindsey Vonn Got a Fair Deal To Recreate Her Missed Highschool Homecoming With a 16-Year-Old in 2011

Lindsey Vonn, the alpine skiing legend, who was recently inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, is the epitome of determination. While it usually takes enormous drive and motivation to fix unwavering focus on a particular goal, all it took were just a few words of encouragement, “Keep following your dreams,” to become a name synonymous with the sport. A brief interaction with the downhill champion, Picabo Street, as a 9-year-old, made her believe in her potential and dedicated all her life to the sport without a Plan B.

The skiing phenomenon won her first Olympic medal in 2010. It also made her the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the Downhill. The season also saw Lindsey surpass Bode Miller’s record for most World Cup victories by a US skier with 33 wins in her name. The following year, an encounter with a 16-year-old boy, reminded her of something she missed as a teenager. And without a second thought, she said a “Yes.” 

Lindsey Vonn grabbed the opportunity

Vonn is a go-getter and there is less scope for other activities. It also means tons of sacrifices. Because of strict schedules for practice sessions and competitions, traveling and skiing, Lindsey didn’t have a typical life of a schoolgoer. 

In 2011, she visited the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy. She was eating lunch with all the students. Just then, a 16-year-old boy named, Parker, mustered the courage to ask her whether she would be his date for their homecoming dance, which was on that same night. Lindsey recounted the incident and described Parker as cute, nervous, and very polite. “So, of course, I said YES!”

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With a bit of sacrificial feeling, she stated, “All through school growing up I never got the chance to go to a school dance,”  She exclaimed just as a teenager would feel, “So I’m excited for tonight!” There she was dancing and having fun and said, “Parker was a great date—and I was so glad I had said yes.”

Vonn continues to inspire 

As one of the founders of the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, Vonn is dedicated to supporting future generations by providing a positive and constructive atmosphere. Their focus is to help the next generation grow as individuals in whatever their passions may be as learners, athletes, or artists. The programs are curated to help girls and boys to build confidence and inclusivity and discover their potential.

 The skiing legend advocates that one should not give up on their dreams. Also, she has an ambitious goal of inspiring young girls with her experiences to help them follow their hearts. After all, the power is within ‘You’. What do you make of Vonn’s above story? Do you agree with her that we can make turn our dreams into a reality?  

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