100 of the Most Influential Women in Sport >> Athletes

Lindsey Vonn, USA

Skiing

Having announced her retirement in 2019, Lindsey Vonn leaves behind one of the greatest legacies in the history of skiing. Her list of of achievements is staggering: Vonn holds the record for most World Cup crystal globe titles for men or women, with 20, she was the first American to win Olympic gold in the downhill event, in 2010, and she’s one of just six women to have won World Cup races in all five skiing disciplines, and one of only two to win the World Cup overall championships just four times. But it’s not just through her career honours list that Vonn leaves a mark on her sport. It’s also her famed sportsmanship and grace, an astonishing lack of arrogance for someone at the top of her sport. In recent years the American served as a mentor to Sofia Goggia, despite the Italian being her closest rival. At the 2018 World Cup, Goggia pipped her to the downhill skiing title by three points. Vonn quite literally lifted up her competitors. She leaves the sport as skiing’s biggest star.

– Winner of the Spirit of Sport award at the 2019 Laureus World Sports Awards.

– Vonn has the second-highest super ranking of all skiers, men or women.

– Vonn holds the women’s record for most World Cup event wins, with 82.

Did you know…

Vonn’s career has been beset by injuries. Along with her knee issues, Vonn has also suffered torn ACLs, a broken ankle and had fractures near her left knee.

“The lack of arrogance from such a superstar is staggering.” – British ex-skier and former rival Chemmy Alcott

Twitter: @lindseyvonn

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