Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin write passionate message on Father’s Day

Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, American Alpine ski racers, gave poignant tributes to their fathers on Father’s Day. Both skiers have finished their 2024-25 alpine skiing circuit and are currently preparing for the 2025-26 season, with an eye on the future Winter Olympics.

Lindsey Vonn expressed her gratitude for her father, Alan Kildow’s unwavering support, and realized how fortunate she is to still have one parent with her. Vonn’s mother died in 2022, after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Kildow, a junior skier, introduced Vonn to skiing when she was two years old and was instrumental in helping her fall in love with the sport. On Sunday, June 15, Vonn posted an emotional tribute to her father on Instagram, which read:

“Not much has changed since I was a child…” Dad, I appreciate your constant support. I’m grateful to have you as a father and to still have one parent with me. 🙏🏻 Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there. I wish you can spend time with your family and with loads of affection.”

Mikaela Shiffrin also made a particular tribute to her late father, Jeff Shiffrin, on the occasion. Jeff, a former collegiate ski racer, helped coach Mikaela through training and was always present at her competitions.

Mikaela Shiffrin writes:

“Hi, Dad…” I received an honorary degree from Dartmouth today. Who would have imagined we’d have two Dr. Shiffrins in our family? 😅🥴 (One completed 12+ years of school, while the other skied down a mountain 😂). I’ve felt closer to you in the last 24 hours—for the first time in a long time—and I’m grateful for it. Happy Father’s Day. I constantly miss you. ❤️”

Shriffrin was just awarded an honorary degree from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.

Lindsey Vonn is planning an Olympic return before her final retirement in 2026.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Lindsey Vonn discussed maybe ending her storied career in the 2026 Winter Olympics, calling it a ‘thrilling and great way to close the loop’ of her trip.

“I have to keep things going, and if I can do it, it will be exciting and a great way to close the loop on my career — I guess the second chapter of my career.” But I’m trying not to think too far ahead. I have to stick to what’s on today and tomorrow and just build and get everything dialed in,” she explained.
Lindsey Vonn returned to the sport in late 2024, having retired in 2019 due to a knee injury. She has 82 World Cup wins and three Olympic gold.

Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin Share Heartfelt Father’s Day Tributes

Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, two of the most decorated alpine skiers in American history, shared heartfelt messages on Father’s Day that resonated deeply with fans around the world. Both athletes, known not only for their record-breaking performances but also for their personal strength, took to social media to honor the fathers who helped shape their remarkable journeys.

Lindsey Vonn, the Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion, posted a poignant tribute to her late father, Alan Kildow. In her message, Vonn reflected on the crucial role he played in her early development as a skier, recalling the countless hours he dedicated to her training, the long drives to ski meets, and the unwavering belief he had in her potential from the very beginning.

Her post included a series of old photos—some showing a much younger Lindsey with her father on the slopes, others capturing candid family moments. “Dad, I miss you every day,” Vonn wrote. “You were tough on me, but it was because you knew I was capable of greatness. Thank you for pushing me and for being my biggest fan, even when we didn’t always see eye to eye.”

Alan Kildow passed away in 2022, and since then, Vonn has made several public statements about the complex but formative relationship she had with him. On this Father’s Day, her message struck a balance between vulnerability and gratitude, reminding followers that personal success often has deeply personal roots.

Meanwhile, Mikaela Shiffrin, the reigning face of American alpine skiing, offered a deeply emotional tribute to her late father, Jeff Shiffrin, who passed away suddenly in 2020. Her message, posted alongside a black-and-white photograph of the two embracing after a race, evoked memories of love, support, and profound loss.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you,” Shiffrin wrote. “You were my rock, my compass, and my constant source of encouragement. Your quiet strength and wisdom guide me still. I carry you with me in every turn, every run, every podium.”

Jeff Shiffrin was widely known in the ski world as a calm, steadying presence in Mikaela’s life and career. A doctor and a photographer, he often traveled with his daughter and was seen as a grounding force amidst the chaos of elite competition. His influence has continued to be felt, especially through the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund, established in his honor.

This fund has become one of Mikaela’s most passionate causes, providing support to athletes facing mental health and financial challenges. On Father’s Day, she once again promoted the initiative, asking fans to remember the fathers behind every champion and to consider donating in memory of her dad.

The tributes from both women underscore the immense impact that fathers can have—not just in nurturing athletic talent, but in helping to instill resilience, discipline, and a sense of purpose. For both Vonn and Shiffrin, their fathers were more than just parents; they were partners in pursuit of excellence.

Fans responded with an outpouring of support, sharing their own memories and offering words of encouragement. Many noted how the stories of Vonn and Shiffrin reminded them of their own family experiences, proving once again that sports can be a powerful mirror to everyday life.

Vonn, in a later Instagram story, elaborated further: “My dad didn’t always understand everything about me, but he never stopped believing in me. That belief gave me the strength to keep going, even through the toughest times.”

Shiffrin, who has spoken often about grief and the psychological toll of high-level competition, used the opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health. “Losing my dad changed everything,” she said in a separate post. “But honoring his memory helps me find meaning in my work and in my life.”

Both athletes have long been admired not only for their athletic accomplishments but also for their openness about personal challenges. Their Father’s Day tributes served as a reminder of the people behind the medals and the quiet strength that comes from family.

For Vonn, retirement has allowed her more time to reflect on her upbringing and the sacrifices her family made. She recently published a memoir in which she explores her relationship with her father in greater depth, offering readers a candid glimpse into the pressures of growing up in a high-achievement environment.

Shiffrin, who continues to compete at the highest level, often says that her father’s words still echo in her mind during races. “When I’m on the hill, I still hear his voice,” she wrote. “Telling me to breathe, to focus, to trust myself.”

Their messages on Father’s Day resonated not only because of their fame but because of their sincerity. They spoke not just as champions, but as daughters—grieving, remembering, and honoring the men who helped them soar.

As the world continues to watch Shiffrin add to her legacy and as Vonn forges a new path beyond competition, both women carry with them the lessons, love, and memories of their fathers. Their stories serve as a testament to the enduring bond between parent and child—even after death.

In a world often obsessed with wins and records, these tributes offered something different: a celebration of character, gratitude, and legacy. For Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, Father’s Day wasn’t just a moment of remembrance—it was a reminder of where they came from, and who helped them get there.