History of Lindsey Vonn in Timeline
Lindsey Vonn is a retired American alpine ski racer known for her exceptional achievements in the sport. She is a four-time World Cup overall champion, with three consecutive titles between 2008 and 2010, and another in 2012. Vonn made history as the first American woman to win the gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Her impressive track record includes a record-breaking eight World Cup season titles in downhill, five in super-G, and three consecutive titles in combined. In 2016, she surpassed Ingemar Stenmark's record by winning her 20th World Cup crystal globe title, marking the highest for both genders. Her remarkable career places her third in the all-time super ranking, considering both male and female skiers.
1975: Start of Ingemar Stenmark's Reign
Ingemar Stenmark, a Swedish skier, began his reign of dominance in the world of skiing, winning his first World Cup crystal globe in 1975. He would go on to win a record-breaking 19 globes, a feat that inspired generations of skiers, including Lindsey Vonn.
1982: Phil Mahre Sets American Single-Season Win Record
American skier Phil Mahre set a new American single-season record in 1982 by achieving eight World Cup victories. His accomplishment stood as a testament to his exceptional skills and dominance, inspiring future generations of skiers, including Lindsey Vonn, who would later surpass this record in 2009.
1983: Tamara McKinney's Historic World Cup Win
Tamara McKinney etched her name in American skiing history in 1983 by becoming the first American woman to win the overall World Cup title. Her accomplishment paved the way for future generations of American skiers, including Lindsey Vonn, who would replicate this feat in 2008.
October 18, 1984: Birth of Lindsey Vonn
On October 18, 1984, Lindsey Caroline Vonn (née Kildow) was born. She would become a renowned American former World Cup alpine ski racer.
1994: Hilary Lindh's Historic Win
In 1994, Hilary Lindh from Alaska won the downhill in Vail, Colorado, marking a significant moment in American skiing history.
1999: Trofeo Topolino di Sci Alpino Victory
In 1999, Lindsey Kildow, alongside Will McDonald, made history by becoming the first American athletes to win the "Cadets" slalom events at the prestigious Trofeo Topolino di Sci Alpino in Italy. This victory provided early recognition of Kildow's exceptional talent and potential in the world of skiing.
1999: Meeting Her Idol and Moving to Vail
In 1999, at the age of nine, Lindsey Kildow had a fateful meeting with her hero and role model, Olympic gold medalist ski racer Picabo Street. This encounter left a lasting impression on both athletes, with Street recognizing Kildow's natural talent and later becoming her mentor. The same year, Kildow's family made a significant move to Vail, Colorado, to further support her burgeoning skiing career.
November 18, 2000: World Cup Debut
At the young age of 16, Lindsey Kildow made her highly anticipated World Cup debut on November 18, 2000, in Park City, Utah. This marked the beginning of her journey to becoming one of the most successful skiers in history.
2002: Olympic Debut
At the age of 17, Lindsey Kildow experienced the thrill of the Olympic stage, making her debut at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Competing in both slalom and combined events, she demonstrated her potential with a commendable sixth-place finish in combined.
March 4, 2003: Junior World Championship Silver Medal
Lindsey Kildow showcased her talent on the international stage at the Junior World Championships in Puy Saint-Vincent, France, on March 4, 2003, where she earned a silver medal in downhill. This achievement further solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.
January 2004: First World Cup Podium
A significant milestone was reached in Lindsey Kildow's career when she achieved her first World Cup podium finish in January 2004. Her third-place finish in downhill at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, marked her arrival as a force to be reckoned with on the international circuit.
March 24, 2004: U.S. Alpine Championships Silver Medal
Lindsey Kildow continued her rise in the ranks of American skiing, securing a silver medal in downhill at the U.S. Alpine Championships held at Mt. Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, on March 24, 2004.
December 2004: Maiden World Cup Victory
Lindsey Kildow's talent and determination culminated in her maiden World Cup victory in December 2004 at Lake Louise, Alberta. This triumph marked a pivotal moment in her career, setting the stage for future successes.
2005: First World Championships Appearance
In 2005, Lindsey Kildow competed in her first World Championships, held in Bormio, Italy. Despite delivering strong performances, including fourth-place finishes in both downhill and combined, she faced personal challenges that impacted her performance in the giant slalom.
2005: Receives a cow named Olympe
In 2005, Lindsey Vonn won a downhill race at Val d'Isère and was offered a pregnant Tarine cow. Instead of the typical prize money, she opted to keep the cow, naming her Olympe, and found a farmer in Austria to care for her.
February 13, 2006: Olympic Crash and U.S. Olympic Spirit Award
Despite a serious crash during training for the downhill race at the 2006 Winter Olympics in San Sicario, Italy, Lindsey Kildow displayed remarkable courage and determination by competing just two days later. Her gutsy performance, finishing eighth despite injuries, earned her the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award, a testament to her resilience and sportsmanship.
September 29, 2007: Vonn Marries Fellow Olympian Thomas Vonn
Lindsey Kildow married fellow skier and 2002 Olympian Thomas Vonn on September 29, 2007, at the picturesque Silver Lake Lodge in Deer Valley, Utah. This marked the beginning of their life together as a couple within the world of professional skiing.
2007: World Championship Silver Medals and Season-Ending Injury
Lindsey Kildow achieved a significant milestone in 2007 by earning her first "big race" medals, securing silver in both downhill and super-G at the World Championships in Åre, Sweden. However, a training crash before the slalom event resulted in a knee injury, cutting her season short but still finishing third in downhill and super-G for the World Cup season.
2007: First World Championship Medals
Lindsey Vonn earned her first "big race" medals in 2007, securing silver in both downhill and super-G at the World Championships in Åre, Sweden. This marked a significant breakthrough in her career, establishing her as a top contender on the world stage.
2008: First World Cup Overall Title and Record-Breaking Season
In 2008, Lindsey Vonn achieved a historic milestone by winning her first overall World Cup title, becoming the second American woman to do so. She also secured the World Cup season title in downhill and set a new American record for the most World Cup downhill victories with ten.
2008: Historic World Cup Sweep for the United States
In a historic moment for American skiing, Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller achieved a remarkable feat in 2008 by sweeping the men's and women's overall World Cup titles. Vonn's victory marked the second time an American woman had achieved this honor, while Miller's win added to the celebration. This accomplishment highlighted the strength and depth of American skiing on the world stage.
October 2009: Awarded the Skieur d'Or Award
In recognition of her exceptional performances throughout the 2008-2009 season, Lindsey Vonn was honored with the prestigious Skieur d'Or Award in October 2009. This accolade, presented by the International Association of Ski Journalists, solidified her status as one of the world's most outstanding skiers.
December 2009: Vonn sustains arm injury
In December 2009, Lindsey Vonn bruised her arm in a crash during the World Cup giant slalom opening run.
2009: Wins a goat
Lindsey Vonn won a goat in 2009, which she gave to a farmer in Austria.
2009: Double Gold at World Championships
Lindsey Vonn cemented her status as a world-class skier in 2009 by winning two gold medals at the World Championships in Val-d'Isère, France. This achievement showcased her exceptional skills and dominance in the sport.
2009: World Cup and World Championship Dominance
Lindsey Vonn continued her winning streak in 2009, securing her second consecutive overall World Cup title, downhill championship, and clinching the season championship in super-G. She broke the American record for World Cup victories and achieved a remarkable feat at the World Championships, winning gold in both the super-G and downhill events.
2010: Vonn Wins Gold at the Winter Olympics
At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Lindsey Vonn competed in five women's alpine events despite a severe shin bruise sustained during training. On February 17, 2010, Vonn won the gold medal in the downhill at Whistler Blackcomb, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat.
2010: Vonn's Successful Return from Injury and Record-Breaking Season
Despite skiing with a braced arm due to her injury, Lindsey Vonn achieved three consecutive victories in Haus im Ennstal, Austria, in January 2010. These wins propelled her to second place among American skiers in all-time World Cup victories. She continued her winning streak, securing the super-G discipline title for the second year in a row. Vonn concluded the season with victories in the overall, downhill, super-G, and combined titles, amassing a total of 33 World Cup victories, surpassing Bode Miller's record for an American. This achievement marked her third consecutive overall World Cup title, matching Phil Mahre's American record. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of 2010 Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press.
2010: Olympic Gold and Continued World Cup Success
In 2010, Lindsey Vonn achieved a pinnacle moment in her career by winning the gold medal in downhill at the Winter Olympics, becoming the first American woman to do so. She maintained her dominance in the World Cup circuit, securing her third consecutive overall title and winning the combined title for the first time.
2010: Vonn Featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Lindsey Vonn's athleticism and public profile led to her appearance in the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, which featured Olympians from the 2010 Winter Olympics. That same year, she was ranked 59th on Maxim's Hot 100 list.
2011: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In recognition of her outstanding achievements and dominance in skiing, Lindsey Vonn was honored with the prestigious Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award in 2011.
2011: World Championship Silver Medals
Lindsey Vonn continued to excel at the highest level of competition in 2011, adding three silver medals to her collection at the World Championships.
2011: Vonn Faces Competition and Concussion at World Championships
In 2011, Lindsey Vonn encountered strong competition from Maria Riesch of Germany. Despite achieving podium finishes in every speed race, she experienced setbacks with several incomplete slaloms. Vonn participated in the 2011 World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, while recovering from a concussion sustained during training. She secured seventh place in super-G and earned a silver medal in downhill.
2011: Vonn's Battle with Riesch for Overall Title
Following her recovery, Lindsey Vonn returned to the World Cup circuit and competed against Maria Riesch. Vonn outperformed Riesch in multiple races, including a giant slalom where she achieved her career-best third-place finish. This victory propelled her to the overall lead for the first time in the season during the World Cup finals in Lenzerheide. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, the super-G and giant slalom events were canceled, ultimately leading to Riesch securing the 2011 overall championship title by a margin of three points.
2011: Vonn's Historic Wins and Record-Breaking Performances
Between December 2nd and 4th, 2011, Lindsey Vonn dominated the races in Lake Louise, Alberta, winning two downhills and one super-G, achieving her second career "hat trick." These wins marked her eleventh victory at Lake Louise, surpassing Renate Götschl's record for most career wins at a single resort. On December 7th, she celebrated her first World Cup victory on American snow in Beaver Creek, Colorado, a significant achievement as it was the first home win by an American woman in 17 years.
January 2012: Vonn's Continued Success and Rise in the Rankings
Lindsey Vonn continued her winning streak in January 2012, surpassing Renate Götschl to become the third most successful female World Cup racer in terms of victories.
November 2012: Vonn Overcomes Illness, Secures Hat Trick, and Climbs Rankings
Despite a challenging start to the 2013 season due to illness, Lindsey Vonn made a strong comeback in the speed events. She swept all three races in Lake Louise, Alberta, from November 30th to December 2nd, 2012, achieving her third career "hat trick" and extending her record for most career wins at a single resort to 14. These victories brought her career total to 56, surpassing Vreni Schneider and securing her the second-place ranking among women, trailing only Annemarie Moser-Pröll with 62 wins.
2012: Meets Tiger Woods at charity event
Lindsey Vonn first met golfer Tiger Woods at a charity event in 2012.
2012: Fourth World Cup Overall Title
Lindsey Vonn showcased her resilience and determination by claiming her fourth overall World Cup title in 2012, adding to her impressive legacy as one of the most successful female skiers of all time.
2012: Vonn's Fourth Overall World Cup Title
Lindsey Vonn won her fourth Overall World Cup Title in 2012. The season commenced in October in Sölden, Austria, marking the location of her first giant slalom victory. This accomplishment distinguished Vonn as the sixth woman in history to have triumphed in every event at least once.
January 9, 2013: Vonn's Divorce Finalized
After four years of marriage, Lindsey Vonn and Thomas Vonn's divorce was finalized on January 9, 2013, marking the end of their relationship. The couple had announced their separation in November 2011.
March 2013: Begins dating Tiger Woods
Lindsey Vonn and golfer Tiger Woods began dating in March 2013 after meeting at a charity event the previous year.
November 20, 2013: Vonn Re-injures Knee in Training
As Lindsey Vonn prepared for her return to competition, she re-injured her right knee during training on November 20, 2013. This setback involved a strain and a partial tear of her right ACL.
December 21, 2013: Vonn's Knee Re-injury
On December 21, 2013, while skiing in France, Lindsey Vonn re-injured her right knee, a setback that would later lead to her withdrawal from the 2014 Winter Olympics.
2013: Vonn's Injury and Determination to Return
Lindsey Vonn sustained severe injuries, including a torn ACL, MCL, and tibial plateau fracture, during the 2013 World Championships. Despite the setback, she remained resolute in her goal to recover and compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
2013: Continued Success and Injury Challenges
Lindsey Vonn continued to achieve success in 2013 but also faced injury setbacks that would impact her career. Despite these challenges, she continued to demonstrate her exceptional skills and determination on the slopes.
2013: Vonn's Season-Ending Injury at World Championships
During the first marathon of the 2013 World Championships in Schladming, Austria, Lindsey Vonn crashed in the super-G event. This accident resulted in a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and a tibial plateau fracture in her right knee. Despite the severity of the injury, Vonn remained determined to recover in time for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
2013: Injury Challenges and Resilience
Injuries posed significant challenges to Lindsey Vonn's career in 2013, forcing her to miss a substantial portion of the season. However, her determination and resilience shone through as she focused on recovery and a return to competition.
January 7, 2014: Vonn Withdraws from 2014 Olympics
On January 7, 2014, Lindsey Vonn announced her withdrawal from the 2014 Winter Olympics due to a re-injury of her right knee sustained on December 21, 2013, during training in France. Recognizing the instability of her knee, she prioritized her long-term health and decided to undergo surgery. Vonn expressed her disappointment but remained optimistic about competing in the World Championships in Vail the following February.
December 6, 2014: Vonn Returns to the Podium
On December 6, 2014, Lindsey Vonn marked her return to competitive skiing with a victory in the women's World Cup downhill race at Lake Louise, Alberta. This win was especially significant as it came in only her second race back after a period of injury.
2014: Wins a calf and expands her herd
Adding to her collection of livestock won through skiing, Lindsey Vonn received a calf in 2014, which she decided to keep, further expanding her small herd on the Austrian farm.
2014: Vonn's Road to Recovery and Olympic Goals
Following her serious injuries in 2013, Lindsey Vonn dedicated herself to rehabilitation with the aim of participating in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
2014: Sidelined by Injury, Covers Olympics for NBC
Injuries forced Lindsey Vonn to miss the majority of the 2014 ski season, including the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. However, she remained connected to the sport by working as a correspondent for NBC News, providing insights and analysis during the Games.
2014: Vonn's Return to Competition and Olympic Preparation
Lindsey Vonn made her comeback to competition on December 6th, despite a previous knee re-injury. She expressed her intent to prioritize safety and cautiously approach races in preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
January 2015: Vonn Makes History with World Cup Wins Record
In January 2015, Lindsey Vonn achieved a historic milestone by tying and subsequently surpassing Austrian skier Annemarie Moser-Proell for the most World Cup wins ever. This achievement solidified her status as one of the greatest skiers of all time.
March 18, 2015: Vonn Dominates World Cup Downhill and Super-G
March 18, 2015, marked a day of triumph for Lindsey Vonn as she claimed victory in the final World Cup downhill race in Meribel, France, securing her seventh World Cup downhill title. This achievement equaled Annemarie Moser-Proell's record for most globes in a single discipline. Additionally, Vonn's win the following day in the super-G race, her eighth of the season, earned her a fifth super-G season title. This tied a record shared by skiing legends Katja Seizinger, Hermann Maier, and Aksel Lund Svindal. These victories further cemented Vonn's place in skiing history.
May 2015: Splits with Tiger Woods
Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods ended their relationship in May 2015.
2015: Return to Dominance After Injury
Lindsey Vonn made a triumphant return to form in 2015, demonstrating remarkable resilience after recovering from injuries. She secured World Cup season titles in both downhill and super-G, proving her enduring talent and unwavering spirit.
2015: Vonn Wins Bronze at World Championships
At the 2015 World Championships held in Vail / Beaver Creek, Colorado, Lindsey Vonn secured a bronze medal in the super-G, the first ladies' event of the competition. She also participated in the downhill and giant slalom races, finishing 5th and 14th respectively.
November 11, 2016: Vonn Suffers Severe Arm Fracture
On November 11, 2016, Lindsey Vonn shared news of a severe training crash that resulted in a fractured humerus bone in her right arm. She underwent surgery to repair the fracture, marking the beginning of another challenging recovery period in her career.
2016: Record-Breaking 20th World Cup Crystal Globe
In 2016, Lindsey Vonn etched her name in the history books by winning her 20th World Cup crystal globe title, surpassing Ingemar Stenmark's long-standing record. This achievement solidified her status as a skiing icon and a true legend of the sport.
2016: Vonn Returns to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
In 2016, Lindsey Vonn made a bold return to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, this time posing in bodypaint. Her appearances in the magazine, along with her athletic achievements, solidified her status as a prominent figure in both sports and popular culture.
2016: Begins dating Kenan Smith
Lindsey Vonn started dating Kenan Smith, an NFL assistant coach, in late 2016.
January 15, 2017: Vonn Returns to World Cup After Injury
On January 15, 2017, Lindsey Vonn made a determined return to the World Cup circuit, competing in the downhill race at Altenmarkt after recovering from her arm injury. She finished a commendable 13th, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to the sport.
November 2017: Splits with Kenan Smith
In November 2017, Lindsey Vonn and NFL assistant coach Kenan Smith broke up after dating for a period.
December 7, 2017: Vonn Publicly Distances Herself from President Trump
On December 7, 2017, Lindsey Vonn made a bold statement by declaring that she would not represent President Donald Trump at the 2018 Winter Olympics. She further stated that she would decline a White House reception if she were to win a gold medal. Vonn emphasized her belief that Olympians represent the American people, not the President.
May 2018: Vonn Takes on Rap Battle Challenge
Stepping outside of her comfort zone, Lindsey Vonn appeared on the celebrity rap battle show "Drop the Mic" in May 2018. She went head-to-head against fellow Olympian Gus Kenworthy, showcasing her playful personality and willingness to embrace new experiences.
June 2018: Begins dating P.K. Subban
Lindsey Vonn began dating NHL defenseman P.K. Subban in June 2018.
October 2018: Vonn Announces Retirement Plans
In October 2018, Lindsey Vonn revealed her decision to retire from competitive skiing at the end of the season. While she had previously aimed to break Ingemar Stenmark's record for World Cup race victories, she acknowledged the physical toll of her career and expressed a desire to pursue an active life after skiing.
2018: Vonn Honors Grandfather at Olympics
During the 2018 Winter Olympics, Lindsey Vonn made a poignant tribute to her late grandfather, a Korean War veteran, by competing with his initials on her helmet. Following her bronze medal win in the women's downhill, she emotionally shared that she had scattered some of his ashes near the men's downhill course, expressing the significance of his presence in South Korea.
2018: Vonn at the 2018 Winter Olympics
In 2018, Lindsey Vonn competed in the Winter Olympics, where she achieved a tie for 6th place in the women's super-G and earned a bronze medal in the women's downhill. She dedicated her Olympic races to her grandfather, a Korean War veteran who had passed away the previous November, competing with his initials on her helmet.
January 2019: Vonn Delays Retirement, Returns to Competition
After announcing her retirement, Lindsey Vonn experienced a setback with a knee injury during training. This led to her withdrawal from races at Lake Louise and a decision to postpone her retirement to compete there the following season. She returned to competition in January 2019 at Cortina d'Ampezzo, but her future in the sport remained uncertain.
February 10, 2019: Wins bronze medal at FIS Alpine World Ski Championships
On February 10, 2019, Lindsey Vonn won a bronze medal in the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships Downhill in Åre, Sweden, with her then-boyfriend P.K. Subban in attendance.
August 23, 2019: Announces engagement to P.K. Subban
Lindsey Vonn and P.K. Subban publicly announced their engagement on August 23, 2019.
December 2019: Proposes to P.K. Subban
Lindsey Vonn proposed to P.K. Subban in December 2019.
2019: HBO Releases Documentary on Vonn's Career
In 2019, HBO released a documentary titled "Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season," offering an intimate look at the final chapter of her illustrious career. The film chronicled her journey from a young prodigy to a three-time Olympic medalist, providing insights into her triumphs, challenges, and enduring legacy.
2019: Vonn's Final Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Appearance
Continuing her association with the magazine, Lindsey Vonn graced the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition once again in 2019. This marked her third appearance in the iconic publication, further showcasing her versatility and impact beyond the world of skiing.
2019: Retirement Announcement
After a remarkable career marked by both triumphs and tribulations, Lindsey Vonn announced her retirement from professional skiing in 2019. The decision was driven by the persistent impact of injuries, bringing an end to an era in the sport.
May 2020: Purchases Beverly Hills villa with P.K. Subban
In May 2020, Lindsey Vonn and P.K. Subban bought a villa in Beverly Hills for $6.75 million.
July 2020: Sparks conversation about interracial relationships
Lindsey Vonn used her platform to encourage discussions about interracial relationships on Twitter in July 2020.
October 21, 2020: Joins Angel City FC ownership group
On October 21, 2020, Lindsey Vonn and P.K. Subban were announced as part of the ownership group for Angel City FC, a Los Angeles-based team in the National Women's Soccer League.
November 20, 2020: Vonn Hosts Canine Competition Series "The Pack"
Showcasing her love for dogs, Lindsey Vonn hosted the Amazon Prime Video series "The Pack," which premiered on November 20, 2020. The show featured Vonn alongside her dog, Lucy, as they navigated the world of canine competition and adventure.
2021: Begins dating Diego Osorio
Lindsey Vonn began dating Diego Osorio, the co-founder of the tequila company Lobos 1707, in 2021.
August 2022: Mother passes away
Lindsey Vonn's mother, Linda Krohn, passed away in August 2022 after battling ALS for a year.
January 2023: Vonn Makes History on the Streif
In a groundbreaking feat, Lindsey Vonn became the first woman to ski the Streif, a renowned and challenging course, in January 2023. While not a competitive run, her accomplishment marked a significant moment in skiing history.
January 2023: Mikaela Shiffrin Surpasses Vonn's Record
In a historic moment in women's skiing, Mikaela Shiffrin surpassed Lindsey Vonn's record of 82 World Cup victories in January 2023, marking a significant milestone in the sport.