Lindsey Vonn's father: If it were up to me, she wouldn't compete anymore
Lindsey Vonn's father hopes that the recent Olympics will be his daughter's last competition following a severe injury.
Lindsey Vonn's father, Alan Kildow, expressed his hopes that the recent Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina marked the conclusion of his daughter's illustrious career as a ski racer. Vonn recently competed despite suffering from a torn knee ligament, but during the downhill event, she experienced a severe fall that resulted in her being airlifted to a hospital. Kildow’s worries reflect a father's instinct, especially considering Vonn's age of 41 and her extensive history of injuries due to her demanding career in professional skiing.
Kildow, who once served on the U.S. junior ski team, expressed his concerns about her future in the sport, stating that if it were his decision, she would step away from competition altogether. Despite the worrying circumstances following her injury, he emphasized his daughter’s resilience, noting how well she is coping with her situation. He is proud of her strength and understands the physical and mental challenges she faces as she navigates the aftermath of her fall and injuries suffered during her career.
Furthermore, Kildow clarified that Vonn's knee injury was not the cause of her fall during the race, highlighting the unpredictability and danger involved in competitive skiing. He noted that Vonn had shown good form in training before the incident, indicating that while she was physically prepared, the nature of the sport carries inherent risks, especially during nail-biting events like the downhill race. This situation opens up discussions about athlete safety and the pressures they face to perform at high levels even when health concerns arise, which is critical as fans and stakeholders in sports evaluate the wellbeing of athletes like Vonn who have given so much to their sport.