Lindsey Vonn and French skier Matthieu Baliet are reportedly becoming closer after fueling romance rumors, according to an exclusive source.

Lindsey Vonn is reportedly growing closer to French alpine skier Matthieu Bailet after the pair were recently spotted spending time together in New York City.

Lindsey Vonn and Matthieu Bailet pose backstage at the hit musical “The Outsiders” on Broadway at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on May 10, 2026 in New York City
Credit: Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Rumors surrounding a possible romance between the two athletes have intensified over the past few days, and a source has now told PEOPLE that the pair are currently “getting to know each other.”

The source’s comments come after Vonn and Bailet were seen together on several occasions while in New York. The pair reportedly spent time shopping in Soho before later riding the subway together around the city.

They were also photographed backstage at The Outsiders on Sunday, May 10, further fueling speculation that a relationship could be developing between the skiing stars.

Vonn, now 41, had travelled to New York earlier in the week to attend the Met Gala and appeared to enjoy spending time with Bailet during her stay.

Fans additionally noticed a playful interaction on social media after Vonn left a flirtatious side-eye emoji comment underneath a recent shirtless Instagram photo posted by the 30-year-old French skier.

The exchange quickly attracted attention online and added to growing rumors that the two athletes may now be romantically involved.

First Romance Rumors Since Diego Osorio Split

The potential relationship with Bailet marks the first time Vonn has been publicly linked to someone since her breakup with businessman Diego Osorio in 2025.

Earlier that year, Vonn confirmed to PEOPLE that she and Osorio had decided to end their relationship after dating for several years.

Speaking openly at the time, the Olympic skiing icon admitted Valentine’s Day would feel very different following the split.

“Valentine’s Day will look a little different for me this year,” Vonn said.

However, she also joked that she still had companionship from her beloved pets.

“But I have my two dogs, so they’ll be my Valentine’s dates,” she added.

Since the breakup, Vonn has largely kept her private life out of the spotlight while focusing on her recovery and rehabilitation following a devastating skiing accident earlier this year.

Recovery From Olympic Crash Continues

Vonn’s recent public appearances in New York also highlighted the ongoing recovery process from the serious injuries she sustained during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The legendary skier suffered a horrific crash during her return to Olympic competition earlier this year, shattering her left leg in the process.

Photographs from her recent outing in New York showed Vonn still relying on mobility support, with the American star seen using a crutch while moving around the city.

Alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn is spotted walking on a crutch during an outing in New York
Credit: JosiahW/BACKGRID

The five-time Olympian has previously spoken about the emotional and physical challenges that followed the accident, including the intense scrutiny she faced after her Olympic comeback ended in such painful fashion.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Vonn explained how difficult it can be for people outside elite sport to truly understand the pressure athletes endure at the highest level.

“It’s hard to have thick enough skin to not combat everyone that wants to tell you what to do, or how to do it, or tell you that you should have done something differently,” Vonn explained.

She also admitted that only a very small number of people could genuinely understand the expectations and pressure she experienced during her Olympic return.

“When there’s maybe five people in the world that even understand the pressure that I was under,” she continued.

The comments reflected the emotional weight Vonn has carried in recent months as she continues to recover both physically and mentally from the devastating crash.

Matthieu Bailet Continues Skiing Career

Meanwhile, Bailet remains active on the alpine skiing circuit and continues competing for France on the international stage.

The French skier was recently in action during the Men’s Super-G event at the Audi FIS World Cup Finals in Kvitfjell, Norway, held in March 2026.

Although the spotlight has now shifted towards his reported connection with Vonn, Bailet has steadily built a solid reputation within the skiing world over recent seasons.

The growing friendship between the pair has naturally drawn attention given their shared experiences within elite alpine skiing and the unique lifestyle that comes with competing at the highest level.

Vonn herself recently acknowledged that relationships can sometimes be difficult when people do not fully understand the demands athletes face.

That reality may partly explain why her apparent connection with fellow skier Bailet has quickly attracted interest from fans.

Vonn Looking Forward To A Better Summer

Despite the difficulties she has endured over the last year, Vonn recently revealed she is optimistic about the months ahead and eager to enjoy a more positive summer.

The American skiing legend explained that she is finally beginning to regain some independence after initially spending time in a wheelchair following her accident.

Although she still uses crutches and a cane to help her get around, Vonn said she is looking forward to taking a vacation and disconnecting from the pressures that have surrounded her in recent months.

“The plane ticket is booked!” she revealed enthusiastically.

Vonn added that she hopes the summer will provide an opportunity to reset emotionally and physically as she continues recovering.

“I want to have a good summer, and I need to kind of disconnect from everything,” she explained.

The Olympic icon also expressed confidence that her rehabilitation will continue progressing over the next several weeks.

Matthieu Bailet of France in action during the Men’s Super G of the Audi FIS World Cup Finals at Kvitfjell ski resort on March 22, 2026 in Lillehammer, Norway
Credit: Daniel Kopatsch/Getty

“I also feel like in the next six weeks, I’ll be at a point where I can start living normally,” Vonn said.

She finished by hinting that she already has several exciting plans arranged for the months ahead.

“I have some stuff planned. And I’m really looking forward to it,” she added.

As speculation surrounding her connection with Matthieu Bailet continues to grow, it appears Vonn may finally be finding reasons to smile again following an incredibly difficult chapter in her life and career.