In a definitive statement from Italy, Alan Kildow, the father of American skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn, has declared that his daughter's illustrious racing career is conclusively over. This announcement follows Vonn's severe crash during the downhill event at the Winter Olympics over the weekend, which resulted in a broken leg and emergency surgery.
Father's Firm Stance on Retirement
"She's 41 years old and this is the end of her career," Kildow asserted during a telephone interview with The Associated Press. He left no room for ambiguity, adding, "There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it." Kildow, a former ski racer himself who taught Vonn to ski, emphasised that his influence is rooted in familial concern rather than professional management.
Hospitalisation and Family Support
Vonn is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Treviso, Italy, after being helicoptered from the course in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The hospital confirmed she underwent surgery on her left leg, with the US Ski Team reporting her condition as stable. Kildow has been by her side, even sleeping in her hospital room overnight, alongside Vonn's brother and two sisters.
"She has somebody with her — or multiple people with her — at all times," Kildow noted, highlighting the family's unwavering support. "We'll have people here as long as she's here." He described the emotional toll of witnessing the crash from the finish area, calling it "dramatic and traumatic" but praised Vonn's resilience.
Emotional and Physical Resilience
Despite the gravity of her injuries, Kildow reported that Vonn is handling the situation with characteristic strength. "She's a very strong individual," he said. "She knows physical pain and she understands the circumstances that she finds herself in. And she's able to handle it. Better than I expected." He credited the US Olympic Committee and US Ski Team for providing top-notch medical care in Italy.
Crash Details and Racing Context
Kildow clarified that the crash was unrelated to a previous ACL tear in Vonn's left knee from nine days earlier, which she had raced through after being cleared by physicians. Instead, he attributed the accident to Vonn pushing her racing line to the limit, causing her to clip a gate and lose control early in her run.
"There are times sometimes in any race, but especially in downhill, where you have to take a little speed off," Kildow explained, suggesting that tactical adjustments might have averted the incident. Vonn's return to the circuit this season after nearly six years of retirement had been remarkable, with podium finishes in seven of eight World Cup races.
Legacy and Future Plans
With 84 World Cup victories—second only to teammate Mikaela Shiffrin on the women's all-time list—Vonn's legacy is secure. Kildow reflected on her achievements, particularly in speed events like downhill, which demand exceptional skill and courage. He confirmed that Vonn will not return to the Olympics in any capacity, such as cheering on teammates, and will return home to the United States when medically appropriate.
This injury marks a poignant end to the career of one of skiing's most decorated athletes, whose determination and record-breaking performances have left an indelible mark on the sport.
