Lindsey Vonn made a stunning appearance at the ESPY Awards, returning to the spotlight just five months after sustaining injuries in a serious crash during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The celebrated Olympic skier graced the red carpet in a striking black column gown adorned with shimmering sequins, showcasing her resilience and flair for fashion.
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As one of the most accomplished female skiers in Alpine Ski World Cup history, Vonn’s presence at the awards ceremony was eagerly anticipated. She wore a Gucci dress that featured a distinctive high neckline and an asymmetrical design, with one shoulder exposed. Complementing her look, Vonn adorned herself with diamond drop earrings from Fred Leighton and a glittering diamond ring by Kwiat.
Speaking with PEOPLE on the red carpet, the 41-year-old athlete shared her relief at feeling “a lot better” since her ordeal at the Winter Games. “Even since the Met, I feel amazing,” Vonn remarked. She highlighted her progress in getting back to fitness, stating, “I’m working out in the gym finally, which has been a huge step forward for me, but it’s been a very slow process. It has been five months since I’ve been able to exercise in any meaningful way, and walking is still actually really hard for me.”
Despite her optimism, Vonn admitted that her recovery is ongoing, with her ankle still broken. However, she remained determined to focus on her healing, emphasizing, “One thing at a time. My leg is healing, and that’s important.”
Throughout her career, Vonn has been a regular at the ESPY Awards, having won an impressive nine awards since 2008. Among her accolades, she has been named Best Female Athlete on five occasions and won the title of Best Comeback Athlete twice. This year’s event showcased her as one of the presenters, joining a roster of celebrities including Kevin Hart, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Billie Jean King, and Tiffany Haddish. The ceremony was hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, adding a lively energy to the evening.
Vonn is renowned for her bold fashion choices at the ESPY Awards. Last year, she captivated attendees by wearing an eye-catching strapless gown from Elisabetta Franchi, which featured a daring slit that nearly led to a wardrobe mishap. A sudden gust of wind highlighted the risk of such daring styles, prompting her sister, Karin Kildow, to step in and save the day by shielding her from unwanted exposure.
After her dramatic appearance last year, Vonn made a swift outfit change to a glamorous silver fringe gown with a sheer skirt. This ability to blend high fashion with practicality speaks volumes about her personality both on and off the slopes.
Vonn’s journey back to competitive skiing has been remarkable. After announcing her retirement at the end of the 2018-2019 season, she made a comeback in November 2024. Her return was marked by a historic achievement: becoming the oldest woman to compete at the Ski World Cup finals, where she secured second place in a Super-G race in Idaho in March 2025.
Her journey culminated in her participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Unfortunately, her Olympic dreams were dashed just 13 seconds into the women’s downhill event due to a devastating crash, yet her earlier contributions to Team USA earned her three Olympic medals over her illustrious career—one gold and two bronze.
As Vonn continues to navigate her recovery and personal goals, her presence at the ESPY Awards serves as a reminder of her tenacity, not only as an athlete but also as a person who has faced significant challenges and emerged with grace. Her inspiring story resonates with many, making her an enduring figure in the world of sports and beyond.