CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, made a strong statement about his daughter’s future in skiing. He believes she should no longer race following her recent injury, and he said she won’t return to the Winter Olympics after breaking her leg during a downhill race.
“She’s 41 years old. This is the end of her career,” Kildow noted in a phone interview. He emphasized that he would influence her decision to step away from the sport.
While Lindsey is currently recovering in a Treviso hospital after her helicopter evacuation, her family, including her brother and sisters, are by her side. The hospital confirmed she had surgery on her left leg and is now in stable condition, though further updates haven’t been released.
Kildow shared that Lindsey is handling her situation remarkably well. “She’s very strong,” he said. “She understands her pain and the circumstances. Better than I expected.”
The emotional impact of witnessing the crash was profound for Kildow. He described the shock and horror of the incident: “It’s dramatic and traumatic,” he reflected, and he noted how hard it can be to process such a moment.
Vonn was racing just nine days after tearing her ACL in another crash. Kildow insisted that the recent accident was not related to her knee injury. “She had been cleared by top physicians to ski,” he explained. He added that pushing boundaries during the race caused her to clip a gate, which led to the fall.
The world of skiing has seen Vonn achieve remarkable milestones. With 84 World Cup victories, she ranks second among women, just behind Mikaela Shiffrin, who has 108 wins.
Despite her past glories, Vonn’s focus now shifts away from the sport and the upcoming Olympics. “No, she won’t be cheering on teammates,” Kildow confirmed. “She’ll be going home at the right time.”
According to a recent survey by Statista, participation in winter sports is declining, particularly among younger generations. This trend could reflect changing interests or concerns about safety in extreme sports. Vonn’s case underscores the risks athletes face even at the pinnacle of their careers, encouraging discussions about athlete safety and well-being.
Vonn’s legacy in skiing remains unmatched, but her recent experiences highlight the physical and emotional challenges that come with high-stakes competition.
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