Lindsey Vonn's Career and Recent Status
Lindsey Vonn is a retired American alpine skier who became one of the most decorated athletes in World Cup history. She won four overall World Cup titles and eight Olympic medals across her career. After multiple knee injuries and surgeries, she officially retired from competitive skiing in early 2019, with her last major race occurring during the 2018 season. Her retirement marked the end of a career defined by speed, resilience, and record-breaking performances on the global stage. Forbes reported her retirement decision as a planned move after years of recovery setbacks.
Since retiring, Vonn has focused on business ventures, media appearances, and philanthropic efforts. She launched a wine brand called "Lindsey Vonn Wine" and has been involved in various endorsement deals with lifestyle and apparel companies. Her public profile remains high through social media, documentary projects, and limited guest appearances in sports broadcasting. She continues to be cited as one of the most influential retired athletes in the United States.
Major Injuries and Health Timeline
Vonn suffered a series of serious knee injuries that shaped the final years of her career. She tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) during training in 2013, which required extensive surgery and rehabilitation. She later experienced additional knee issues, including a fracture and cartilage damage, leading to multiple operations between 2013 and 2018. These injuries repeatedly interrupted her training and competition schedule, ultimately contributing to her decision to step away from the sport.
Medical reports indicated that chronic knee pain and limited mobility made high-level competitive skiing unsustainable. She underwent procedures involving ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair, with recovery timelines often extending beyond a single season. Her injury history has been widely documented in sports medicine analyses and athlete profiles. A National Institutes of Health study on elite ski injuries references patterns seen in athletes like Vonn. Her openness about these health challenges has also made her a visible advocate for sports injury awareness.
Post-Retirement Business and Public Activities
Vonn has pursued several business and media projects after leaving professional skiing. She has appeared in television shows, documentaries, and advertising campaigns for brands in fashion and wellness. Her business portfolio includes ventures in wine, lifestyle products, and strategic partnerships with companies focused on health and performance. She has also participated in philanthropic initiatives supporting youth sports and military families.
Her financial activities have drawn attention from business and sports media outlets. Forbes has estimated her net worth based on career earnings, endorsements, and post-retirement ventures. She has also been involved in public speaking and brand advisory roles. SEC filings for related companies sometimes reference her brand partnerships. Her current ranking among top-earning retired U.S. athletes reflects her continued influence in the sports business space.