Olympics icon who dated Tiger Woods and had wardrobe malfunction has U-turned on retiring
American skier Lindsey Vonn is preparing to compete at the Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn previously dated Tiger Woods(Image: Chris Condon, US PGA TOURvia Getty Images)
American skiing sensation Lindsey Vonn is poised to beat the odds at her fifth Winter Olympics. The former gold medallist is gearing up for Sunday’s downhill race, despite tearing her anterior cruciate ligament under two weeks ago.
Vonn secured her gold medal in the downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games and has bagged two bronze medals across her four previous Winter Olympics appearances. The 41-year-old hung up her skis in 2019 but made a comeback in late 2024.
Yet Vonn’s bid to chase her Olympic dreams hit a major snag after she was airlifted to hospital following a crash at the World Cup in Crans-Montana. Despite the ACL setback, Vonn remained determined to race at the Winter Olympics and completed her mandatory training run in one minute 44.33 seconds on Friday, improving to one minute 38.28 seconds the following day.
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Off the slopes, the Winter Olympic legend previously dated golf superstar Tiger Woods. Here’s an in-depth look at Vonn’s journey as she prepares to represent the USA this weekend.
ACL injury
Vonn made her aim to compete at the Milan Cortina Games crystal clear just days following her injury. The American was previously among the favourites to claim downhill gold and refused to abandon her dream.
“This is obviously not what I hoped for. I have been working really hard to come into these Games in a much different position,” she said during a press conference ahead of her training session. “I know what my chances were before the crash and I know that my chances aren’t the same as it stands now, but I know there is still a chance. As long as there is a chance, I’ll try. That’s where I am.”
Following her training run on Friday, she declined to speak with journalists. However, her coach Aksel Lund Svindal hasn’t dismissed the prospect of Vonn conquering her injury to secure a medal.
“From what I saw today I think she can,” he remarked. “There were reserves today. She looked symmetrical. You’ve seen earlier this season that when she skis well, she can win. It’s going to be hard but I think she could possibly bring that on Sunday.”
Romance with Tiger Woods
Vonn was previously married to Olympic skiing colleague Thomas Vonn from 2007 to 2013 and subsequently dated ice hockey star P. K. Subban. Yet her two-year relationship with golfing icon Tiger Woods from 2013 to 2015 generated the most media attention. Despite their split over ten years ago, Vonn has continually supported Woods.
“I mean… I was in love,” Vonn reflected on their romance to Sports Illustrated in 2018. “I loved him and we’re still friends. Sometimes, I wish he would have listened to me a little more but he’s very stubborn and he likes to go his own way.”
A few years on, after Woods’ car accident injuries, Vonn shared with Entertainment Tonight: “We are friends and, of course, I’m happy that he is back and healthy. And, you know, it was a tough time for him. So I am just happy that he is back with his kids.”
Vonn’s primary concern at the moment is overcoming her injury for the Winter Olympics. However, the ski champion had previously discussed entering the Milan Cortina Games as a single woman.
“I have never been single going into any Olympics in my life,” she said to SELF. “So I’m excited to try that out. It’s been really nice to just be focused on myself.”
Wardrobe Malfunction
Vonn was left understandably shocked after suffering a wardrobe malfunction at the ESPYs in July. In a departure from her usual composure on the ski slopes, the 41-year-old was at the centre of an awkward moment on the red carpet.
Vonn had stunned onlookers in a glamorous strapless dress, complete with a slit running up one leg to her hip. She later changed outfits after a gust of wind caught her dress and exposed her underwear.
The Olympic gold medalist quickly attempted to keep her dress in place. Later in the night, Vonn was pictured in a different sparkling silver outfit and was snapped smiling alongside iconic gymnast Simone Biles.
Reason for retirement U-turn
After receiving a partial titanium knee replacement in 2024, Vonn reversed her retirement decision. The transformation she experienced gave her the confidence to return to skiing.
“My body was so different,” she revealed to People. “I didn’t have any pain at all; my knee didn’t swell. I felt like I could do anything. The thought of ski racing again, something I loved to do so much, but without pain, was really exciting.
“I built an amazing life and was really happy in retirement but I didn’t finish my career the way I wanted to. I was limping away when I wanted to finish strong.”
Watch Winter Olympics 2026 live on discovery+
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games is running from February 6-22 and fans can enjoy more than 850 hours of action live on discovery+ via Prime Video.
Throughout the games, the £3.99 discovery+ Entertainment subscription will provide access to TNT Sports 2, the home of 24/7 Olympic coverage.
