Lindsey Vonn Reflects on Olympic Glory and Mental Health in Candid Interview

In a revealing conversation with BBC special correspondent Katty Kay, decorated US downhill skier Lindsey Vonn discusses the mental challenges that accompanied her Olympic success and the emotional void left after her competitive career. This episode of the interview series "Influential" delves into Vonn's Olympic memories, her mental health struggles, and the mindset that propelled her to gold medal victories. Vonn, who made her Olympic debut at just 17 during the 2002 Winter Games, emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in skiing. She describes her ideal mental state during her Olympic win as the pinnacle of her career, stating, "Routine is something that's really important for athletes because you want to try to get in the same state of mind." However, she acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining that mindset, particularly under the immense pressure athletes face. The former champion candidly shares her struggles with transitioning away from professional skiing, likening it to experiencing a death. Vonn reflects on the challenges of compartmentalizing her emotions as a young athlete, revealing that the aftermath of her career left her feeling lost. "I got a sprinkle of what I used to have – and I don't have that anymore," she admits. Despite these challenges, Vonn is finding joy in skiing again, approaching it with a newfound sense of freedom. She expresses that her current relationship with the sport resembles the carefree enjoyment she experienced as a child, marking a significant shift from her previous winner's mentality.