Lindsey Vonn’s Stellar Year and Retirement Announcement: How it happened
2019 marked a transformative year for Lindsey Vonn, one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time. In January, she secured a bronze medal in the women’s downhill race at the World Championships, capping a career defined by unparalleled success.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 17: Lindsey Vonn attends the Ruffles Celebrity Game during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend at Vivint Arena on February 17, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 25: Lindsey Vonn attends The Prelude To The Olympics on July 25, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 22: Lindsey Vonn arrives at the Laureus World Sports Awards at Galería De Cristal on April 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
Shortly after, Vonn announced her retirement, attributing the decision to the toll of persistent injuries and surgeries. This milestone ended a remarkable journey that solidified her place in sports history. Despite stepping away from competitive skiing, Vonn embraced new opportunities, including her third feature in the *Sports Illustrated* Swimsuit Issue. Shot on the picturesque beaches of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, by acclaimed photographer Walter Chin, Vonn radiated confidence and grace, proving her talents transcended the ski slopes.
A Celebrated SI Swimsuit Return
Vonn’s 2019 *SI Swimsuit* feature was a testament to her resilience and versatility. It marked her return to the magazine nearly a decade after her first appearance in 2010, showcasing her evolution both personally and professionally.
Sharing her enthusiasm on Instagram, she wrote, “3rd time is the charm! I embraced myself and had a blast doing it!” This milestone came shortly after another knee surgery, underscoring her determination to celebrate life beyond the challenges of sports injuries.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Lindsey Vonn arrives at the 11th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
The stunning Puerto Vallarta shoot captured Vonn’s vibrant personality, inspiring fans worldwide. From her breathtaking snapshots to her empowering words, she continues to break boundaries, affirming her status as a role model on and off the slopes.