Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, remembering the strength that continues to inspire her as she recovers from a devastating leg injury.
On International Women's Day, the 41-year-old athlete posted two emotional messages honouring her mother, Lindy Vonn, who died in 2021 after battling Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
© InstagramSharing a photo of her mother cheering from the sidelines during her skiing career, Lindsey wrote simply: "My forever inspo! Love you Mom."
In a second post, she reflected on her mother's extraordinary resilience, writing: "The most positive and resilient woman I have ever known! If she could be positive, so can I!"
© InstagramLindy had faced significant health challenges throughout her life. In addition to her battle with ALS, she suffered a stroke while giving birth to Lindsey, leaving her with a lifelong limp in her left leg.
Despite those struggles, Lindsey has often said her mother's strength and determination shaped the way she approached both sport and life.
Following Lindy's death in 2021, Lindsey has spoken about how her mother's example continues to motivate her through difficult moments – something that has become especially meaningful during her latest health battle.
© Getty ImagesEarlier this year, Lindsey attempted an ambitious comeback at the Winter Olympics in Italy, returning to competition after years away from the sport.
The comeback, however, ended in dramatic fashion when she crashed during a race on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d'Ampezzo. After clipping a gate high on the course, the skiing champion suffered a catastrophic leg break that required emergency treatment.
The injury was so severe that doctors reportedly feared her leg might need to be amputated.
© AFP via Getty ImagesLindsey underwent four surgeries in Italy before returning to the United States for additional treatment. Her most recent operation, a complex six-hour procedure, focused on reconstructing the damaged leg and protecting the skin to prevent infection.
After weeks in hospital, the former Olympic champion was finally able to return home in late February – marking the beginning of what she has described as a long and difficult rehabilitation process. While the physical recovery remains challenging, Vonn has said the mental toll of the injury has also been significant.
"Today was a hard day… my physical battle began the second I got hurt but the mental battle started today," she wrote in a candid message shared on social media after leaving hospital. "It hit me like a ton of bricks."
© InstagramStill, Lindsey remains determined to push through the difficult moments – a mindset she credits in large part to the lessons she learned from her mother. In 2022, when she was inducted into the US Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Lindsey spoke movingly about the influence Lindy had on her life.
"She's taught me so much about strength and character," she said at the time. "And it's because of the example that my mother set that I was able to overcome whatever obstacle was thrown at me."
Now facing another uphill climb, the Olympic icon is once again drawing on that same resilience – determined, as she wrote, to "find a way back to the top of the mountain of life."
