Lindsey Vonn is an American alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist widely recognized as one of the most accomplished female skiers in the history of the sport. Born Lindsey Caroline Kildow on October 18, 1984, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she developed a passion for skiing at a very young age and went on to build a career marked by Olympic medals, World Cup victories and multiple championship titles.
Vonn became particularly famous for her performances in downhill and Super G, establishing herself as one of the dominant figures in alpine skiing. She won four overall World Cup championships and 82 World Cup victories during her original career, including the first Olympic downhill gold medal ever won by an American woman at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. She also earned three Olympic medals in total and eight World Championship medals.
After initially retiring from competitive skiing in 2019, Vonn made a highly publicized return to the sport in late 2024. Her comeback eventually took her to the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where a serious crash in the women’s downhill left her with a complex fracture in her left leg. As of September 2026, Vonn remains focused on rehabilitation and has said that she has not completely closed the door on racing again.
Lindsey Vonn Early Life
Lindsey Caroline Kildow was born on October 18, 1984, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Alan Kildow and Linda Anne Krohn. Her father was a competitive skier who had won a national junior championship, while her grandfather also had a background in competitive skiing. Vonn grew up with four younger siblings, and skiing became an important part of the family’s life from an early age.
Vonn began skiing as a toddler, with sources placing her first experiences on skis at around two or three years old. She began racing at seven and entered international competitions by the age of nine. Her development took place under coach Erich Sailer at Buck Hill in Minnesota, where she quickly showed an unusual level of ability and competitiveness.
When Vonn was 12, her family moved to Vail, Colorado, so she could access stronger training opportunities. At 14, she became the first American woman to win the slalom at Italy’s prestigious Trofeo Topolino junior competition. She later joined the U.S. Ski Team and made her Olympic debut at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics when she was only 17 years old.
Lindsey Vonn Education
Lindsey Vonn attended University of Missouri High School, an educational program operated through the University of Missouri Center for Distance and Independent Study. The program allowed her to continue her education while accommodating the demanding training and competition schedule required of an elite young skier.
Her teenage years were therefore very different from those of a typical high school student. By the time she was in her mid teens, Vonn was already competing internationally and traveling for skiing events. Her education had to be structured around her rapidly developing professional athletic career.
Vonn did not attend a traditional four year college after completing high school. Instead, she moved directly into the highest levels of international alpine skiing. Her decision to focus on skiing allowed her to compete in the Olympics at 17 and eventually develop the professional career that made her one of the most recognizable athletes in winter sports.
Lindsey Vonn Career
Lindsey Vonn began making major progress on the international skiing circuit in the early 2000s. She earned her first World Cup points in 2001 and made her Olympic debut at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. In 2003, she won a silver medal at the Junior World Championships, and she continued progressing through World Cup competition before recording her first World Cup victory in 2004.
Vonn’s breakthrough continued at the 2007 World Championships, where she won silver medals in both downhill and Super G. She then captured her first overall World Cup championship in 2008 and successfully defended the title in 2009 and 2010 before winning another overall championship in 2012. Across her career, she became particularly dominant in downhill and Super G and accumulated 82 World Cup victories during her original competitive career.
At the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Vonn won gold in the women’s downhill and bronze in the Super G, becoming the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the downhill event. Injuries prevented her from competing at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, but she returned to the Olympic podium at the 2018 PyeongChang Games by winning bronze in downhill. She announced her retirement from competitive skiing in February 2019 after continuing to compete through significant injuries.
Vonn spent several years away from competitive skiing while developing business, media and philanthropic projects. She founded the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, became involved in women’s sports and business ventures, and published her memoir Rise: My Story, which became a New York Times bestseller. In November 2024, she announced her return to competitive skiing and rejoined the U.S. Ski Team, beginning another chapter of her athletic career.
Her comeback eventually led to the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Before the Games, Vonn suffered an ACL injury during a World Cup race but continued toward the Olympic downhill competition. On February 8, 2026, she crashed 13 seconds into her downhill run and suffered a complex fracture to her left tibia and other serious injuries. She subsequently underwent multiple surgeries and entered an extended rehabilitation process.
Lindsey Vonn Keeps the Door Open to Returning to Competitive Skiing After Her 2026 Olympic Injury
Lindsey Vonn is currently attracting attention because she continues to recover from the severe injuries she suffered during the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics while leaving open the possibility of returning to competitive skiing. In a September 24, 2026 interview, Vonn said she expects to get back on the mountain but does not yet know at what speed. She also said she does not want to close the door on racing until she has recovered further and can make a more informed decision.
The February 8 Olympic crash resulted in a complex left tibia fracture and followed an ACL rupture that Vonn had suffered during a World Cup race nine days earlier. Her recovery has involved numerous surgeries, extensive rehabilitation and a prolonged period using a wheelchair and crutches. In August 2026, Reuters reported that Vonn had undergone five surgeries related to the leg fracture and was still expected to undergo ACL surgery.
By September, Vonn had begun publicly documenting more active stages of her rehabilitation. A September 13 update showed her using a stationary bicycle and performing balance and lower body exercises while continuing to work on strength and mobility. Her comments about a possible return to skiing remain open ended, with Vonn indicating that she wants to regain full physical capacity before deciding what her future in competitive racing will look like.
Lindsey Vonn Personal Life
Lindsey Vonn married fellow alpine skier Thomas Vonn in September 2007. The couple competed in the same sport and shared a professional understanding of the demands of elite skiing. They separated in 2011 and finalized their divorce in 2013, although Lindsey continued using the surname Vonn under which she had become internationally famous.
Following her divorce, Vonn had several high profile relationships. She publicly dated professional golfer Tiger Woods from 2013 until 2015, and in 2019 she became engaged to professional hockey player P. K. Subban. Their engagement ended in 2020. Vonn later dated businessman Diego Osorio, with their relationship ending in 2025.
Vonn has also devoted significant attention to philanthropy, business and advocacy outside skiing. Through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, she has supported young women pursuing educational and athletic opportunities, while her broader work has included investments and projects connected to women’s sports. Her mother, Linda, who was an important influence in her life, died in 2022 after battling ALS.
Lindsey Vonn Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Lindsey Vonn was born on October 18, 1984, making her 41 years old as of September 2026. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and spent part of her childhood in Minnesota before moving with her family to Vail, Colorado, at the age of 12.
Vonn is American by nationality. Her publicly documented family background includes Irish ancestry on her father’s side and German and Norwegian ancestry on her mother’s side. Her exact religious beliefs have not been clearly established in reliable public biographical sources, so a specific religion cannot be confirmed.
Lindsey Vonn is listed at 5 feet 10 inches, or approximately 1.78 meters, tall. As an elite alpine skier, she has maintained a highly athletic physique shaped by years of strength training, endurance work and competitive skiing. She has also become recognizable for her blonde hair, athletic appearance and distinctive public style.
Lindsey Vonn Social Media Presence
Lindsey Vonn maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @lindseyvonn. Her account is used to share updates about her skiing career, rehabilitation, business activities, philanthropy, travels and personal life. Her September 2026 rehabilitation updates have also given followers a direct look at her physical recovery following the Olympic crash.
Vonn also maintains a presence on other social media platforms and uses her online platforms to communicate directly with fans. Her social media activity has become particularly significant during her injury recovery, as she has used it to provide updates about surgeries, rehabilitation and her continuing relationship with skiing.
Lindsey Vonn Net Worth
Lindsey Vonn has built her wealth through her long career as a professional skier as well as sponsorships, endorsements, business ventures, media appearances, books and other commercial activities. Her status as an Olympic champion and one of the most successful female alpine skiers made her a valuable figure for major brands and commercial partnerships.
In addition to competition earnings and endorsements, Vonn has developed business interests and founded the Lindsey Vonn Foundation. She has also worked in media and entertainment, written books and invested in women’s sports. These activities have allowed her to build sources of income beyond competitive skiing.
As of February 2026, Biography.com reported an estimated net worth of approximately $14 million, based on figures attributed to Celebrity Net Worth. Because personal financial information is not publicly audited, the figure should be regarded as an estimate rather than a confirmed total.
Lindsey Vonn Legacy
Lindsey Vonn’s legacy is closely associated with her achievements as one of the most successful female alpine skiers in history. Her four overall World Cup championships, 82 World Cup victories, Olympic medals and numerous discipline titles established her as one of the defining athletes of her generation.
Her impact also extends beyond the medals and records. Vonn became a prominent advocate for women in sport and pushed for greater opportunities and recognition for female athletes. Through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation and other initiatives, she has supported young women and girls pursuing education, sports and personal development.
Vonn’s decision to return to competitive skiing after her 2019 retirement added another significant chapter to her career. Her 2026 Olympic comeback and subsequent injury became part of a story that has continued to evolve through rehabilitation and her ongoing connection to skiing. Whether she ultimately races again or limits herself to skiing recreationally, her achievements in alpine skiing have already established a lasting place in the sport’s history.
Conclusion
Lindsey Vonn is an American Olympic champion and alpine skiing legend whose career has included four overall World Cup championships, 82 World Cup victories and three Olympic medals. From beginning to ski as a young child in Minnesota to winning Olympic gold and later returning from retirement, she has built a career defined by elite competition and high profile comebacks. Her serious injury at the 2026 Winter Olympics has shifted attention toward her recovery, while her latest comments indicate that she is keeping open the possibility of returning to competitive skiing after rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lindsey Vonn
Who is Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn is an American alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist known for her achievements in downhill and Super G skiing.
How old is Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn was born on October 18, 1984, and is 41 years old as of September 2026.
What is Lindsey Vonn famous for?
Lindsey Vonn is famous for winning four overall World Cup championships, 82 World Cup races and three Olympic medals, including a gold medal in the women’s downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Did Lindsey Vonn win an Olympic gold medal?
Yes. Lindsey Vonn won the Olympic gold medal in women’s downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win Olympic downhill gold.
What happened to Lindsey Vonn at the 2026 Olympics?
Lindsey Vonn crashed during the women’s downhill at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and suffered a complex fracture to her left tibia along with other serious injuries.
Is Lindsey Vonn still skiing?
Lindsey Vonn is currently recovering from her 2026 Olympic injuries. She has said that she plans to return to the mountain and has not completely closed the door on competitive racing.
Is Lindsey Vonn retired?
Lindsey Vonn originally retired from competitive skiing in 2019 but returned to racing in late 2024. After her serious injury at the 2026 Olympics, she has not made a final decision about whether she will compete again.
Who was Lindsey Vonn married to?
Lindsey Vonn was married to former alpine skier Thomas Vonn from 2007 until their divorce was finalized in 2013.
Does Lindsey Vonn have children?
Lindsey Vonn does not have children. Her family life has included her parents, four siblings and her dogs, which she has frequently discussed publicly.
What is Lindsey Vonn’s height?
Lindsey Vonn is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, or 1.78 meters.
What is Lindsey Vonn’s net worth?
Lindsey Vonn’s estimated net worth is approximately $14 million as of 2026, according to figures reported by Biography.com and attributed to Celebrity Net Worth.
What is Lindsey Vonn’s Instagram handle?
Lindsey Vonn’s Instagram handle is @lindseyvonn.