Lindsey Vonn Instagram – Well… I’ve had the red leader bib from the first race of the season until now, but in all likelihood tomorrow will be my last day as #1. At the beginning of the season no one would have ever believed I would be even close to this position. And I bet people would have laughed if it was even suggested. But winning the title was my goal… and I came painfully close to achieving it.
I’m not one to talk about things I’ve achieved but in this instance I feel I need to, maybe more to remind myself than anything else…
I was on the podium of every single downhill race, including 2 wins. I clawed my way back to #1 in the world after being retired for 6 years with a partial knee replacement and that alone was an incredible achievement I won’t ever forget. Even though in a few days no one will remember that I almost won the season title, I will remember. I didn’t want to win the title to prove anything to anyone. I did it because I knew I could. I just wish I had a chance to fight until the end to try and get it…
However, as I sit here I have to reflect and wonder; why does a title mean so much to me? Why am I crying over a crystal trophy?
It’s because skiing has always been the thing I love to do most in this world. It has always brought me incredible joy, especially this season. But what I am realizing is that not having one more title doesn’t make this season less extraordinary. It doesn’t take away the joy I had standing in the starting gate or crossing the finish line and seeing #1 next to my name. It doesn’t take away from the incredible time I had with my team and teammates. Singing and dancing with fans and kids in the stadium. Those memories aren’t washed away because of a title. My tears just mean I care. I always have. That’s why I work so hard. Skiing is my passion. Whether I’ll ever be able to do it again is yet to be seen. But at least I have the memories, with or without a title, I feel privileged to have had this adventure.
Wherever this path leads I will find my way. I always do. Skiing is what I love to do but it’s not who I am. There are so many reasons to be happy. So much to be thankful for🙏🏻
Thank you all for coming on this journey with me❤️ | Posted on 07/Mar/2026 02:57:08
