Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has paid tribute to her late mother, Lindy Vonn, on International Women's Day, drawing strength from her mother's resilience as she recovers from a catastrophic leg injury sustained at the Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old shared a photo of her mother cheering from the sidelines during her skiing career, writing: "My forever inspo! Love you Mom." In a second post, she reflected: "The most positive and resilient woman I have ever known! If she could be positive, so can I!"
Lindy Vonn died in 2021 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She also suffered a stroke while giving birth to Lindsey, leaving her with a lifelong limp. Vonn has often said her mother's strength shaped her approach to sport and life.
Earlier this year, Vonn's attempted comeback ended in a crash during a race on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d'Ampezzo. She clipped a gate and suffered a severe leg break that doctors feared might require amputation. After four surgeries in Italy and further treatment in the United States, including a six-hour reconstructive procedure, she returned home in late February.
Describing the mental toll, Vonn wrote: "Today was a hard day… my physical battle began the second I got hurt but the mental battle started today. It hit me like a ton of bricks." She remains determined to overcome the setback, crediting her mother's example.
In her 2022 induction speech for the US Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Vonn said: "She's taught me so much about strength and character. It's because of the example that my mother set that I was able to overcome whatever obstacle was thrown at me." Now, she is determined to "find a way back to the top of the mountain of life."
