Lindsey Vonn closed out her remarkable comeback season with a historic second-place finish in a World Cup super-G race. She became the oldest female Alpine ski racer to earn a World Cup podium by nearly six years. But even as she celebrated a triumphant return to competition, Vonn faced devastating personal news.
The 40-year-old skiing icon revealed that her beloved 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Lucy, is suffering from kidney failure. Vonn, who has long been inseparable from her dogs, shared that the prognosis is grim.
She immediately returned home to Utah to be with Lucy, putting vacation plans on hold.
A Heartbreaking Turn After A Great Season
Vonn had planned to relax on the beaches of the Bahamas after an intense season, but Lucy’s diagnosis changed everything. “I’ve got to go figure it out… I need all the luck I can get,” Vonn said, acknowledging the difficult road ahead. Known for traveling the world with her dogs, she previously shared that she only flies private when accompanied by them.
Her deep connection with her pets has been evident throughout her career. Three months ago, during training in Copper Mountain, Colorado, Lucy waited inside a warm lodge while Vonn was out on the slopes. Now, the skier is preparing for her final moments with her loyal companion.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Olympics stories via Google! Follow Us
Meanwhile, her other dog, Leo, has had his battle. Vonn announced in November that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but two months later, she shared the good news that he had completed chemotherapy. “Leo’s doing really good,” she confirmed. “He’s here, and he’s happy.”
Despite the emotional turmoil, Vonn remains grateful for her extraordinary season. Reflecting on her comeback, she described her podium finish as “a mix of joy, relief, pride, and appreciation.” She compared the emotions to her gold-medal-winning performance at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
As she turns her focus to the future, Vonn is already planning equipment testing in Europe, with an eye on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. But for now, her priority is Lucy. “I love the sport, but my dogs are my family,” she said, facing another challenge.
Also Read: Skiing Icon Lindsey Vonn Involved In Scary Crash In Italy
