Lindsey Vonn didn’t manage to get the gold at 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, but she shouldn’t be disappointed. With the bronze medal she won in women’s downhill on Tuesday, the 33-year-old American became the oldest female alpine ski racer to win an Olympic medal in the history of the Winter Games. She is also the third American in history to have three Olympic Alpine skiing medals.
Lindsey Vonn won her previous two medals at 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver when she captured gold in downhill and bronze in Super-G. Series of injuries including ACL tears and bone fractures have caused a setback in her career and eventually forced her to miss the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. All of this makes her bronze medal more valuable.
“I’m out here doing what I love to do,” – said Vonn after the race. “I just have a different understanding for life back then. I was younger. Now I’m 33. In ski racing age, I’m over the hill. But it’s the perspective that I think is important. I have a different perspective on everything than I did eight years ago. The last eight years have been full of ups and downs. A lot of downs. But it’s all made me who I am — a stronger person. It makes me appreciate every opportunity you have. I’m thankful to be here, on the podium, in most likely my last downhill race.“
Vonn also participated in women’s Super-G in Pyeongchang, finishing tied for 6th. Her most likely last appearance at the Olympics will come on Thursday when she will compete in Alpine combined.
“I wish I could keep going,” – Vonn added. “I wish it wasn’t my last Olympics, but it is. I’m trying to accept that and enjoy the ride.“
