In an interview with Sport-Bild, US ski legend Lindsey Vonn explained that “I will never be pain-free again in my life. Bone meets bone in my right knee. I had surgeries every 12 to 14 months to keep me functioning. I have to find a better, long-term solution.” The 39-year-old’s plan is to have an artificial knee joint inserted. “I’m currently checking when and where I’ll do this – and what type of joint replacement. Everything is pretty complicated. The operation will probably take place in the next six months.”
Nevertheless, the 82-time World Cup winner emphasizes: “I have made a lot of sacrifices for skiing. But I don’t regret anything.” Above all, Vonn could have taken her work ethic with her from her time as a professional skier. “I still want to constantly improve. I used to be able to go so fast, I always wanted more. That’s how I am off the piste too. I am a very driven person who is always looking for new challenges.”
The American has words of praise for her compatriot and World Cup victory record holder Mikaela Shiffrin: “I’ve been saying for years that Mikaela only competes against herself. It depends on what she wants to achieve herself. “She will manage as many World Cup victories as she wants as long as she stays healthy,” says Vonn, who is busy with her own foundation for underprivileged girls, a ski and goggle collection in collaboration with Head and her own TV production company is.