Lindsey Vonn, the decorated Olympic skier, has expressed her anticipation for a much-needed holiday following a challenging period of recovery. The 41-year-old athlete has endured five surgeries since suffering a severe leg injury during the recent Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. After months of pain and rehabilitation, Vonn is now looking forward to re-engaging with life away from the pressures of competition.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Lindsey-Vonn-042126-2d99dfa4574147dd87e586e4ac218136.jpg)
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Vonn shared her relief at reaching significant milestones in her recovery journey. “It’s definitely been a tough two months, but I feel like I’ve kind of hit some nice milestones recently,” she stated. “I am getting closer to being back to the real world and getting my life back.” Her optimism has led her to book a vacation, a venture she eagerly anticipates. “I need a good summer, and to disconnect from everything that happened. The plane ticket is booked, anyway,” she added.
While many might associate a holiday with relaxation, Vonn is not one to take it easy. Known for her adventurous spirit, she has plans that include scuba diving and learning kite surfing during her time off. “I’m an adventure junkie! It’s not like skiing is the only thing I do,” she remarked, emphasising her desire to stay active even away from the slopes.
Despite her enthusiasm, Vonn acknowledges that her ongoing physical therapy exercises will have to accompany her wherever she travels. “I’ll be keeping up with my PT exercises,” she stated, as she prepares for a sixth and hopefully final surgery later this autumn. Vonn is committed to her recovery, working diligently to strengthen her body while managing the demands that come with being an elite athlete.
Alongside her personal recovery efforts, Vonn is also engaged in a health-focused initiative. She is collaborating with Invivyd on their “Antibodies for Any Body” campaign, which aims to educate the public about the important role antibodies play in health and disease prevention. “Health has always been something that’s been incredibly important to me, not just through this injury,” she noted. The campaign’s mission aligns with her beliefs surrounding health management and the significance of understanding how antibodies protect against various ailments.
Looking ahead, Vonn also shared her aspirations to return to skiing, even at high speeds. “Whether it’s on the race course or not, I’ll definitely be going back to it,” she affirmed, acknowledging her ‘need for speed’. However, she has drawn a line at certain extreme activities and won’t be taking up skydiving anytime soon. “I’ve done bungee jumping, but I’m saving skydiving for an emergency-only type of thing,” she quipped.
Vonn’s resilience and determination to reclaim both her health and her active lifestyle is commendable. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, as she navigates the complexities of recovery while planning for future adventures. With her holiday on the horizon and a clear recovery vision in mind, Vonn is poised to embrace the next phase of her life.
As she prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in 2026, Vonn’s story reflects a blend of tenacity, spirit, and a deep understanding of health. Her ability to balance recovery with excitement for future activities demonstrates a mindset that prioritises both physical well-being and mental rejuvenation. Through her actions and initiatives, she continues to influence others, proving that even after facing significant hurdles, hope and a thirst for adventure can prevail.