Challenges in the Life of Lindsey Vonn in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Lindsey Vonn's life and career.

Lindsey Vonn is a decorated American World Cup alpine ski racer, renowned for her exceptional achievements. She secured four World Cup overall championships, placing her among the top female skiers alongside Annemarie Moser-Pröll and Mikaela Shiffrin. Notably, she achieved three consecutive titles from 2008 to 2010, and another in 2012. Vonn made history by winning the gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics, a first for an American woman. She also holds a record eight World Cup season titles in downhill, five in super-G, and three consecutive titles in the combined (2010–2012). In 2016, Vonn surpassed Ingemar Stenmark to achieve a record 20 World Cup crystal globe titles. She holds the third-highest super ranking of all skiers, male or female.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

February 13, 2006: Crash at the Winter Olympics

On February 13, 2006, during the second training run for the downhill race at the Winter Olympics in San Sicario, Italy, Kildow crashed and was hospitalized overnight. Despite the injury, she competed and finished eighth, earning the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award.

2007: World Championships Silver Medals and ACL Sprain

In 2007, Kildow earned silver medals in both downhill and super-G at the World Championships. She also suffered an ACL sprain, ending her season early.

December 2009: Bruised Arm Injury

In December 2009, Lindsey Vonn sustained a bruised arm after a crash during the opening run of the World Cup giant slalom.

2011: Competition with Maria Riesch and World Championships

In 2011, Lindsey Vonn faced competition from Maria Riesch and suffered a concussion during training for the World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. She achieved a seventh place in super-G and a silver medal in downhill.

November 2012: Slow Start to Season

In November 2012, Lindsey Vonn got off to a slow start in the 2013 season due to illness and marginal results.

November 20, 2013: Vonn Re-injures Knee During Training

On November 20, 2013, Lindsey Vonn re-injured her right knee during training, straining it and partially tearing her right ACL after a crash. She later returned to competition in December.

December 21, 2013: Vonn Re-Injures Knee While Skiing in France

On December 21, 2013, Lindsey Vonn re-injured her right knee while skiing in France, which ultimately led to her withdrawal from the 2014 Winter Olympics.

2013: Vonn Crashes at World Championships

During the 2013 World Championships in Schladming, Austria, Lindsey Vonn crashed in the super-G, resulting in a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a torn medial collateral ligament, and a tibial plateau fracture in her right knee. Despite the severity of the injury, Vonn expressed her determination to be ready for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

2013: Season Injury

Lindsey Vonn missed most of the 2013 season due to injuries.

January 7, 2014: Vonn Announces Withdrawal from 2014 Winter Olympics

On January 7, 2014, Lindsey Vonn announced she would not compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics because of a re-injury to her right knee on December 21, 2013. She expressed devastation and announced upcoming surgery in preparation for the World Championships.

2014: Vonn Aims for 2014 Winter Olympics Return

Following her injury in 2013, Lindsey Vonn aimed to be ready for the 2014 Winter Olympics despite a torn ACL and MCL. Although she planned to compete in the 2014 Alpine Skiing World Cup, she ultimately decided not to compete during the first weekend.

2014: Vonn Plans Return to Competition

In 2014, Lindsey Vonn traveled to Austria for the Alpine Skiing World Cup but chose not to compete in the first weekend, planning her return for late November. She emphasized a cautious approach to racing in preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

November 11, 2016: Vonn Fractures Arm in Training Crash

On November 11, 2016, Lindsey Vonn announced on her Facebook page that she had severely fractured the humerus bone of her right arm in a training crash and underwent surgery to repair the bone.