New Now:Lindsey Vonn discuss challenges facing Olympians, her ‘struggles’ after retirement and athlete activism……

In a recent interview, Vonn opened up about the struggles that athletes, particularly Olympians, face, the challenges she faced post-retirement, and how she’s using her platform to speak out on social issues, including athlete activism.

The Mental and Physical Toll on Olympians

Olympic athletes are often idolized for their physical prowess, but few understand the incredible mental and physical toll the journey to the Games demands. Vonn, who spent over two decades racing on some of the world’s most dangerous slopes, is well-versed in the sacrifices required for success at the highest levels. Her body bore the brunt of those sacrifices, enduring over 20 surgeries and a constant battle with injury. She has said that every victory came at the expense of pain, and by the time she retired, her body had taken a significant toll.

“The injuries are something that’s not talked about enough,” Vonn reflects. “People see the success, they see the medals, but they don’t understand the years of pain that come with it. It’s a relentless grind, and you’re constantly dealing with injuries, recovery, and pushing through physical limitations.”

Vonn’s struggle with injuries, including her torn ACL and multiple broken bones, was well-documented. These challenges often led her to question whether the sacrifices were worth it. Despite this, Vonn remained committed to pushing herself to the edge of her physical capabilities, always striving for more. But that commitment to excellence was not without its consequences. She now believes that the pressure on Olympians to perform at their peak constantly leads to burnout and a lack of support for athletes once they retire.

“I had to fight through so much pain, and I think that’s something a lot of athletes, especially women, do without getting the necessary help,” Vonn says. “There’s a stigma around asking for help, and athletes feel they have to be strong at all times. But after you retire, the real struggles begin.”

Life After Retirement: Finding Purpose Beyond the Medal Stand

Retirement from a career as grueling and all-consuming as Vonn’s can be a daunting transition. For Olympians who have spent their entire lives focused on one goal, the sudden shift to civilian life can feel disorienting.

For Vonn, leaving the slopes meant confronting an identity crisis. She was no longer the skier who dominated the slopes; she had to redefine herself and find a new sense of purpose. In interviews following her retirement, Vonn admitted that she struggled with finding fulfillment outside of her sport. For years, her worth had been tied to her performance, and without the rush of competition, she had to adjust to a new, quieter existence.

“Retirement has been harder than I ever imagined,” Vonn says. “I spent so many years focused on my sport that I didn’t think about what would come after. I had to figure out how to stay motivated, how to find new passions, and how to feel good about myself without a medal hanging around my neck.”

Vonn, however, was determined to find a new avenue where she could use her platform to create positive change. In the years following her retirement, she shifted her focus toward mental health advocacy, inspiring young athletes, and becoming an outspoken advocate for women in sports. She’s also delved into other ventures, such as working with brands, launching a memoir, and engaging in philanthropic efforts.

Athlete Activism: Using the Platform for Change

While many athletes might be content to enjoy their post-competition lives in peace, Vonn has been active in advocating for change, particularly in the areas of mental health, gender equality, and athlete rights. Throughout her career, Vonn has been outspoken about the pressures and challenges women face in sports, especially in a male-dominated arena like skiing.

Vonn has long been a champion for gender equality in sports, calling out the disparities in pay, recognition, and opportunities between male and female athletes. She believes that while progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done.

“Women in sports are still fighting for equal recognition and pay,” she says. “We deserve the same opportunities as our male counterparts, but there’s a long way to go.