Lindsey Vonn's touching farewell message

“Announcing the end of my career was the hardest thing I have ever done. And it certainly wasn’t my intention to do it the way I did it, but when I was asked the question of how much longer I wanted to race, it just burst out of me.”

A Topolino race in Italy as a guide For the first time, Vonn realized that she would have to face a future without skiing. “For as long as I can remember, everything has always revolved around skiing. When I was five years old, when I was asked what I wanted to be, I answered: 'The best ski racer of all time!'” said Vonn, who shared an anecdote from her childhood: “I first felt pressure to win when I was 12 years old . It was at a Topolino race in Italy. My father told me back then: 'Every woman who wins a race like this will later also win in the World Cup and the Olympics.' That's why I was extremely nervous before this race. But in the end I won it.” Since then, Vonn knew she could withstand the pressure and achieve anything, as evidenced by 82 World Cup victories, 9 World Cup medals, 20 World Cup medals and 3 Olympic medals.

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Even after the many injuries, Vonn never had any doubts about continuing. “After injuries, my father always asked me whether it wouldn't be better to stop. I always said: 'NO'. I always wanted more victories, more speed, more adrenaline, more challenges.” “I want to teach my children to ski” But now Vonn has shifted her priorities. “Now that I am the oldest Olympic medalist at 34, I have realized that I need to look beyond medals, podiums, goals and competition - and at this point my health and family come first. I want to be able to walk alone and without pain in the future and (hopefully) teach my children to ski.” And: “I have to redefine my goals, find out who I am and what direction I want my life to take. “

The American knows that she will often be asked about Stenmark's record (86 World Cup victories). She also still has the desire to race against men one day in her head. “I'm working on making both possible. But: I still have a whole season. And although I will take whatever comes and enjoy the year, I will still be at the start with the same intensity and focus as always!”

You can read the original letter here .

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Lindsey Vonn's touching farewell message

The end of her career is approaching: Lindsey Vonn has announced that she is quitting skiing after this season. The 34-year-old has now written an emotional farewell letter for “Sports Illustrated” magazine.

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