Building a career in skiing is no easy feat just ask Lindsey Vonn. Her journey is marked by broken bones, torn muscles, and countless setbacks. But through it all, there was one person who inspired her to never give up: her mother.
On the ‘Dear Chelsea’ podcast, Vonn reflected on the profound influence her mother had on her life. “I think my mom impacted me in more ways than I even really truly understand now,” she shared. Even years after her passing, her mother’s words continue to guide her. And it’s no surprise after all, she was the mother of the Lindsey Vonn, and a fighter in her own right.
From a young age, Vonn watched her mother overcome unimaginable challenges. Shortly after giving birth, Linda Anne suffered a stroke that left her unable to move her arms or legs, making physical bonding difficult. But instead of dwelling on hardship, she embraced life with unwavering positivity. Her motto, “Today is another great day,” became a guiding force in Vonn’s life. Even after losing her mother, Vonn never misses a chance to honor the woman who shaped her.
When asked by the Olympics’ official X account about the woman who inspired her most, Vonn didn’t hesitate. “The woman that shaped my life the most is definitely my mom,” she said. “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.” These lessons became the foundation of Vonn’s identity as an athlete. Every injury, every comeback was fueled by the resilience her mother instilled in her.
Here’s to the incredible women who lift us up… mothers, coaches, & more.
We asked these female athletes which women inspired them the most – their answers are nothing short of inspiring 💜#IWD2025 I @lindseyvonn I @_charihawkins I @theTrackQueen I @mischaa_27 I @OrmerodKatie
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) March 8, 2025
On March 26, 2024, what would have been her mother’s 71st birthday, Vonn took a moment to reflect. In an emotional Instagram post, she expressed gratitude for the time they shared, choosing to celebrate her mother’s legacy rather than focus on grief. Her mother’s strength shaped her far beyond the slopes, but even with that foundation, the physical toll of skiing remained a challenge.
A Comeback Fueled by Passion
Despite numerous injuries, Vonn’s love for skiing never faded. In November 2024, she made a bold return to competition this time with a titanium knee. With her sights set on the 2025 Alpine World Championships, she pushed herself to compete in the downhill race. Though she finished 15th while teammate Breezy Johnson claimed victory, Vonn remained undeterred.
As critics questioned her comeback, she responded with determination. “Life is short, and we only have one shot… we can’t give up!” she wrote on Instagram, sharing a video that captured her journey the victories, struggles, and relentless drive that kept her going.
She had been doubted before. “I can’t tell you how many times people told me I wouldn’t come back,” she said in 2020 after undergoing nine surgeries, including two ACL repairs, MCL, and meniscus procedures. But now, at 40, with her eyes set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, she remains committed to proving that passion not age or injury determines an athlete’s future. “This is 2025 a lot of things have changed,” she told Sports Illustrated, determined to challenge expectations.
Through it all, the lessons her mother taught her remain at the core of her journey: believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and never let anyone tell you what you can’t do.
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