Lindsey Vonn, Olympic skier, joked that she ‘can’t go wrong’ practicing in a jumper vest

The 40-year-old gold medallist is hitting the slopes early, dressed casually.

Lindsey Vonn works harder than anyone else, particularly while training informally.

Following her victory at the 2025 FIS Ski World Cup, the 40-year-old gold medallist is focussing her primary spring preparation on hitting the slopes as soon as possible. On Wednesday, April 9, Vonn posted about her most recent training session on Instagram.

In the footage, Vonn can be seen beginning at the top of a mountain and springing herself off, gaining a lot of speed in the process. As skilful as her approach was, she informed her 2.5 million Instagram followers that she was doing all of this training in a jumper, something she is really proud of.

 

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“Moving quickly…” Exactly way I like it! Spring testing is now officially underway. And sure, I am training in my jumper vest. She captioned the photo, “Can’t go wrong with a jumper vest!”

In the comments section of the post, the skier’s followers quickly expressed their unwavering support.

“Lightning in the clouds,” remarked one user.

A second individual said, “Awesome and amazing!”

“Breathtaking,” said a third person.

Vonn’s recovery from a career-threatening accident is the stuff of legends, yet she remains extremely humble. She told Sports Illustrated in February that she is still able to compete at a high level because she still has youthful ambitions.

“I feel like a kid, and that may sound weird coming from a 40-year-old,” she told me. “But sometimes you just don’t grow up. Maybe I’m naive. But I still have dreams.

One thing is certain: Vonn has demonstrated that she still has a lot left in the tank — and her casual jumper vest may well be a new status symbol for her success.

Lindsey Vonn, of the United States, clutches potato mascots after the Super G alpine skiing event in the 2025 FIS Ski World Cup at Sun Valley. / Michael Madrid-Imagn Images.

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Mikaela Shiffrin was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame

On April 9, 2025, Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier in U.S. history, was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame during its 60th annual banquet in Denver. This honor recognizes her extraordinary achievements and her profound impact on Colorado’s sporting legacy.

A Historic Induction

Shiffrin’s induction is particularly notable as she continues to compete at the highest levels of her sport. Her inclusion in the Hall of Fame underscores her enduring influence and the inspiration she provides to aspiring athletes.

Celebrating a Stellar Career

Born in Vail, Colorado, Shiffrin has amassed an impressive array of accolades, including multiple Olympic gold medals and World Cup titles. Her dedication and skill have solidified her status as a legend in alpine skiing.

Honoring Colorado’s Sports Legends

The 2025 Hall of Fame class also includes notable figures such as former Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, legendary basketball coach Larry Brown, and pioneering Negro Leagues baseball player Theodore “Bubbles” Anderson. Their inductions celebrate the diverse and rich history of sports in Colorado.

A Continuing Legacy

Shiffrin’s induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame not only honors her past achievements but also serves as a testament to her ongoing contributions to the sport of skiing. As she continues to compete, her legacy grows, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Mikaela Shiffrin and her fiancé anticipate competing in the 2026 Olympics, but they are unable to provide in-person support for one another (exclusive)

Anticipation and adversity are two sides of the same coin in the high-octane world of Olympic alpine skiing—and none exemplify this duality more than Mikaela Shiffrin and her fiancé, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. As both athletes set their sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics, their journey is defined not only by the pursuit of glory on the slopes but also by the unique challenges of maintaining a supportive, loving relationship from afar. Despite sharing a bond forged amid injuries, comebacks, and international competitions, the couple faces a notable hurdle in that the men’s and women’s events are held on two separate mountains in Italy. This means that while they will both compete, they will be miles apart during one of the world’s most important sporting spectacles.

Below is an extensive account of their current circumstances, the nature of their relationship, the challenges they face, and the inspiration they provide to millions around the globe.

A Tale of Two Champions

Mikaela Shiffrin is no stranger to adversity or accomplishment. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and the most decorated skier in World Cup history, Shiffrin’s résumé is studded with records, including her awe-inspiring 100th World Cup victory—a milestone achieved after a miraculous return from a near–life-threatening injury sustained in November. Likewise, her fiancé, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, is a highly accomplished competitor whose talent and determination on the slopes have earned him Olympic podium finishes and widespread admiration. Their careers, while parallel in ambition and accolades, have also been punctuated by moments of intense struggle, including significant injuries that have temporarily sidelined both of them.

In interviews with People, Shiffrin candidly described the difficult year and a half both she and Kilde have endured. “We both have been in survival mode for the last year and a half,” she revealed, referring to the period after her own abdominal injury and Kilde’s brutal crash in Switzerland in January 2024 that required extensive rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, the couple’s mutual encouragement has been a cornerstone of their recovery processes, even as their competitive schedules often separate them physically during the Olympic season.

The Olympics: A Test of Resilience and Separation

The 2026 Winter Olympics present an intricate scenario for Shiffrin and Kilde. In an unusual twist of scheduling logistics, the skiing events are divided between two distinct venues in Italy—Bormio for the men and Cortina for the women. This logistical separation means that while both athletes will be representing their nations on the grandest stage, they will be forced into a sort of professional solitude. “We likely won’t see each other during the Olympics,” Shiffrin explained, emphasizing that the approximately five- to six-hour drive between Bormio and Cortina will keep them physically apart, even as they cheer each other on via phone calls during competitions.

For many couples, the Olympics are a time of shared triumph and mutual support on the sidelines. However, for this elite duo, their inability to be together in person during the critical moments of the Games introduces an emotional complexity rarely seen among athletes. In many ways, the distance amplifies the challenge: it becomes a test of personal resilience and emotional fortitude, as both competitors strive to perform at their highest levels while managing the inherent loneliness that can occur when separated from one’s closest support system.

The Long-Distance Element: Navigating Personal and Professional Arenas

Long-distance relationships are far from uncommon among elite athletes, whose careers often involve travel to remote training locations and staggered competition schedules. What sets Shiffrin and Kilde apart is how their high-stakes world intensifies these challenges. The duo has long managed a long-distance relationship—a fact that dates back to when their romance first became public in 2021. Their ability to sustain a relationship despite geographical separation and rigorous training regimes has resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes alike.

In the period following their respective injuries, both have had to recalibrate not just their physical condition but also their emotional connection. Shiffrin recalled that even the moments when both were sidelined at home did not necessarily translate into high-quality time together. “I didn’t want to be touched. It was painful to do everything,” she shared about the aftermath of her accident, illustrating how physical pain can interfere with intimacy and relationship dynamics. Despite this, the couple found ways to support each other, even if that meant relying heavily on virtual communication and brief in-person moments whenever possible.

This separation, although born out of necessity, has had an unexpected silver lining. It has forced them to hone the art of remote support—leveraging phone calls and digital check-ins to offer encouragement, share tactical insights about training, and simply remind each other of the personal bond that underpins their dual journeys. In this digital era, where connectivity allows for constant communication, their story stands as a testament to how technology can help bridge the gap between physical separation and emotional unity.

Injury, Recovery, and the Fighter Mentality

Both Shiffrin and Kilde have experienced setbacks that could have derailed even the most promising careers. Shiffrin’s dramatic return from a near–life-threatening abdominal injury, which involved emergency surgery and a grueling rehabilitation period, has only fortified her determination. Her record-breaking 100th World Cup victory came at a time when many doubted she would ever return to competitive form, underscoring the indomitable spirit that drives her forward. citeturn0news16

On the other hand, Kilde’s journey has been equally arduous. Following a “brutal” crash in Switzerland that left him with a dislocated shoulder and severe physical setbacks, his recovery has been a protracted process. Despite the significant challenges, including surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, Kilde’s commitment to the sport and to his own comeback has remained unwavering. He has been open about the struggles—publicly sharing motivational messages and recounting the hardships of recovery with a sense of gratitude toward those who supported him. In his own words, Kilde stressed the importance of “fighting back,” a phrase that has come to symbolize his approach both to injury and life in general.

These narratives of recovery are not just about returning to the slopes; they are deeply intertwined with the personal narratives of resilience and determination that have come to define their careers. They have evolved to become living examples of how overcoming physical obstacles can inspire both on-field and off-field relationships. Their stories offer hope to aspiring athletes and remind everyone that even in the most challenging times, perseverance can pave the way toward eventual success.

A Balancing Act Between Competition and Connection

The dynamic between personal life and professional ambition is a delicate balance for any athlete—especially when the stakes are as high as they are for Shiffrin and Kilde. Both understand that every training session, every race, and every recovery plan is part of a larger narrative that encompasses more than just medals and records. It’s also a story of human connection, shared sacrifices, and the pursuit of dreams that stretch beyond the realm of sports.

For Shiffrin, the upcoming Olympics represent not merely a battleground for competition but also a milestone in the shared narrative with Kilde. In an exclusive interview with People, she elaborated on the excitement of envisioning a future where both could stand together as champions. Her hope is that the stars will align and that Kilde will recover in time to join her on the podium—a moment that would symbolize not just sporting success, but the triumph of their unified journey through adversity. citeturn0news16

Their relationship is marked by a profound sense of partnership—one that has been tested by geographical distance and physical injury. Their ability to compartmentalize their individual challenges while still offering unwavering support to each other is a lesson in resilience. This balancing act is particularly poignant as the 2026 Olympic venues force them into separate camps, both literally and figuratively. While they may be physically apart on the day of competition, the emotional and psychological connection they nurture remains a driving force behind their performance and recovery.

Implications for the Future: Redefining Support in the Olympic Era

The case of Shiffrin and Kilde reflects larger trends in modern sports where personal and professional lives are increasingly intertwined in complex ways. Their story has several implications:

Athlete Well-Being and Support Networks:
The fact that top athletes sometimes have to support each other from a distance underscores the importance of robust mental health and remote communication support systems within athletic organizations. Their experience might inspire future measures—such as real-time digital support, shared coaching sessions via video calls, or even scheduling adjustments—to help athletes maintain emotional bonds despite logistical challenges.

Technological Integration:
With rapid advances in technology, the ways in which athletes connect with family, friends, and loved ones during competitions continue to evolve. Shiffrin and Kilde exemplify how digital communication can be harnessed to sustain relationships. Their reliance on phone calls and online updates stands as a model for how effective remote support mechanisms can be in high-pressure environments.

Narrative of Resilience:
In a sport where physical prowess is paramount, the narrative of emotional resilience has emerged as equally significant. The ability to overcome both physical injury and the emotional strain of separation is a powerful narrative that could influence sponsorships, fan engagement, and even policy decisions within sports organizations. Their journey offers a roadmap for how resilience can be cultivated through both personal determination and supportive partnerships.

The Evolution of Athlete Relationships:
The shifting dynamics of athlete relationships, as witnessed with Shiffrin and Kilde, reflect a broader cultural transformation within the sporting world. Modern athletes are increasingly open about their vulnerabilities, their struggles, and the emotional support that plays a critical role in their success. This transparency not only demystifies the personal challenges behind elite performance but also builds a more relatable and humanized image of what it means to be an Olympic champion.

Conclusion

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the story of Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is one of relentless determination, adaptive love, and the pursuit of excellence against all odds. While the logistical reality of competing on separate mountains in Italy means that the couple will not share the immediate physical support that many take for granted, their long-distance connection—honed over years of shared challenges and victories—remains as strong as ever.

In the high-pressure environment of international competitions, every detail matters—from physical training to emotional well-being. Shiffrin and Kilde are a living testament to the fact that while the physical distance can be measured in hours of travel, the strength of a bond built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and shared dreams transcends any barrier. Their journey underscores the evolving landscape of modern sports, where the lines between personal and professional lives blur, and where technology and resilience enable relationships to thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.

Ultimately, their story is not merely about the hurdles of physical separation at the Olympics but about the broader human capacity to find strength in connection, no matter the distance. It is an inspiring reminder that while the pursuit of athletic greatness is often a solitary endeavor on the slopes, the support systems that athletes build—with partners, family, and friends—are what propel them to ever-greater heights. As fans eagerly await their performances in 2026, there is an added layer of excitement in knowing that behind every medal and every race is a story of love, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of dreams—a story epitomized by Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

Their journey invites us all to reflect on the importance of support—whether shared in the same room or conveyed over long distances—as a vital ingredient in overcoming the obstacles that stand in the way of greatness.