Lindsey Vonn's Journey After a Career-Ending Knee Injury

In her own words, Lindsey Vonn discusses the end of her competitive career due to a career-ending knee injury at the age of thirty-two. Her story highlights the physical toll and psychological resilience required in high-stakes sports.

Breaking Down the Career-High

Earlier in the 2015-2016 ski season, Lindsey Vonn was at the height of her competitive performance. After multiple crashes in 2013 and 2014, Vonn had managed to recover and was performing exceptionally well. She was on track to win multiple titles, including the downhill season-long title and the overall title. However, a devastating crash in Andorra altered this trajectory.

The Andorra Crash and Medical Misdiagnosis

Vonn's career-defining crash occurred during a super G race in Andorra, a small principality in the Pyrenees mountains. She crashed while leaning through a soft snow section, which caused her knee to hyperextend and lock up. Initially, the medical facilities in Andorra were limited, and an MRI was not available, leading to a misdiagnosis. An X-ray and a failed test for ligament damage suggested that it was just a bruise. Despite the diagnosis, Vonn was expected to compete the following morning.

The Race and Aftermath

Vonn's decision to race in the super G despite her knee swelling was a testament to her determination. Her knee received fluid drainage multiple times, and it managed to be just in time for the race. Surprisingly, she won the race, much to the dismay of a competitor's accusation of faking her injury. The next day, the reality of her injury set in, and Vonn was more than just a bruise. An MRI finally revealed that she had a bone fracture that had not been visible on the initial X-ray.

The Battle Against Skepticism

Vonn's quest to ski through injuries became a public spectacle. Her competitors and the media often accused her of faking her injuries for dramatic effect. Vonn, however, had a different perspective. She acknowledged the pressure to perform, but she emphasized that the decision to compete through injuries was hers alone. In a complex and highly scrutinized environment, Vonn faced both physical and psychological challenges.

Withstanding the Double Standard

The double standard in how injuries were perceived and managed in women's sports vs. men's sports led to Vonn feeling misunderstood. She felt that if she were a man, her injuries would be valued for what they were, rather than the drama they caused. The skepticism and public doubt she faced were less severe for male athletes, highlighting the gender disparity in sports culture.

Lessons and Learning from the Experience

Despite the challenges, Vonn learned valuable lessons from these experiences. She became more resilient, understanding that the only person she could control was herself. This newfound independence and self-awareness helped her navigate the skepticism and continue to pursue her passion for alpine skiing, even after her retirement.

Adapted from Rise by Lindsey Vonn, Copyright ? 2022 by Downhill Gold Inc. Reprinted by permission of Dey Street Books, an imprint of William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishers.