Cheering for Lindsey Vonn

After fielding another “Are you still working?” type question in late October, I cheered when I saw this Time magazine article about Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn. It chronicled her plan to return to next year’s games in Italy, seven years after she departed from competition.

Eileen, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The story noted that not too long ago it would have seemed improbable for her to be hiking a canyon near her Beverly Hills home. Her struggles include wear and tear from decades of professional competition, plus swelling and pain caused by numerous crashes flying down mountains.

However, since her partial knee replacement in the spring of 2024, she professes to feel like a new person. Time noted that as she hiked the canyon, she lifted a middle finger in the Southern California sun as a symbolic message to her detractors.

“When Vonn launched a surprise comeback last year, after having been retired from the tour for five seasons, many fans cheered her return,” wrote Agnes Anaboda, a staff writer with Red Bull.

“But critics made themselves heard as well. They suggested her decision—and goal of earning a spot atop the podium in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy at the 2026 Olympics—revealed an unfulfilling life and wondered why she’d even try such a thing at her age.”

Over the Hill?

Her age? I thought when I read that paragraph. Since when does 41 mean you’re over the hill?

I say that with the benefit of more than three decades worth of age over the skier.

While I realize that professional sports are typically the domain of younger folks, in Vonn’s detractors I see a more sinister force at work. Namely, nosey know-it-alls who consider everyone else’s business their business.

In other words, if Vonn wants to take on the yeoman challenge of competing in the Olympics again, who is anyone to question her drive and spunk? I find it worth applause.

The fact that detractors find it worthy of their time to second-guess everything coming and going, regardless of the person or topic, prompts me to think these folks have way too much time on their hands.

Instead of sneering at those who dare to try making something out of their lives, the naysayers should get involved in trying to better their corner of the world.

Armchair Critics

When it comes to armchair critics, no one suffers more from their jibes than athletes at nearly every level of competition.

A few years ago, the starting quarterback for the college team in our town transferred to another school. According to what I read and heard about town, he got tired of naysayers questioning his skills.

I call them “high-tech lynch mobs.” Namely, people untethered from having to speak to someone else face-to-face airing critiques, gripes, and complaints they wouldn’t dream of delivering in person.

Now, I don’t speak as an experienced fan of skiing; every four years when the Olympics air I might catch a few slaloms while channel cruising.

But I would say that Vonn’s return to the sport will whet my appetite for more viewing, especially when it comes to her runs down the slopes. As I watch, I will cheer: “You go, girl!”