Teammates Jacqueline Wiles and Paula Moltzan say Lindsey Vonn is a ‘role model’ after her Olympics fall.

American skiers Jacqueline Wiles and Paula Moltzan have paid tribute to Lindsey Vonn, describing her as an inspiration, mentor, and role model following the skiing legend’s devastating injury at the Winter Olympics.

Just days after Vonn suffered a serious crash that resulted in a fractured tibia, her teammates took time to acknowledge the enormous impact she has had on their lives and careers. Speaking after securing a bronze medal in the women’s team combined event on February 10, both athletes shared heartfelt stories about Vonn’s support and guidance over the years.

Lindsey Vonn; Jacqueline Wiles and Paula Moltzan in Cortina d’Ampezzo.Credit : 
Michel Cottin/Agence Zoom/Getty; Julian Finney/Getty

Vonn’s Olympic campaign came to a painful end on February 8 when she crashed during a downhill race. The severity of the accident required her to be airlifted to a nearby hospital, where she later underwent surgery. Despite the disappointment of seeing her Olympic dream cut short, the skiing icon has continued to receive an outpouring of support from across the sporting world.

Among those offering the most personal tributes were Wiles and Moltzan, who highlighted Vonn’s influence beyond her achievements on the slopes.

Wiles, who previously worked with the Lindsey Vonn Foundation as an ambassador, reflected on the kindness and generosity Vonn showed her during difficult moments in her career.

According to Wiles, Vonn became aware that she was covering some of her own expenses while competing and stepped in to help. What began as support soon developed into a close friendship that has lasted for years.

She described Vonn as someone who embodies female empowerment and serves as an example for athletes everywhere. Wiles explained that Vonn’s willingness to help others, especially fellow women in the sport, has always stood out.

One of her most memorable experiences came after suffering an injury in 2018. During her recovery, Vonn welcomed Wiles into her home and allowed her to complete part of her rehabilitation there.

Wiles recalled watching Vonn compete at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang while recovering from surgery on Vonn’s couch. She said it was a special moment and something she would never forget, emphasizing how much it meant that Vonn was willing to support her during such a challenging period.

The bronze medalist explained that Vonn’s encouragement and friendship extended far beyond skiing, making her a significant figure in her personal life as well as her professional career.

Moltzan also spoke warmly about the impact Vonn has had on her journey in the sport.

Like Vonn, Moltzan grew up in Buck Hill, Minnesota, and she admitted that she had admired the skiing superstar since childhood. For years, Vonn was someone she looked up to from afar, but that admiration eventually evolved into a meaningful friendship.

Moltzan said Vonn had been one of her heroes throughout her life and that she considered her an idol long before becoming teammates.

Jacqueline Wiles and Paula Moltzan on Feb, 19, 2026.
Julian Finney/Getty

Since Vonn returned to competitive skiing two seasons ago, Moltzan said the veteran athlete has become a trusted mentor who has always been willing to offer advice and encouragement.

She explained that whenever she experienced difficult moments or struggled with her performances, Vonn was someone she felt comfortable reaching out to.

One conversation in particular stood out.

Earlier in the season, Moltzan had been frustrated with her performances in opening runs and sought guidance from Vonn. The Olympic champion responded with a piece of advice that left a lasting impression.

According to Moltzan, Vonn told her that success comes when an athlete stops desperately trying to win and instead focuses on skiing freely and confidently. Although Moltzan joked that she was not entirely sure how to apply the advice immediately, she appreciated the wisdom behind it and valued the insight from someone with Vonn’s experience.

The comments from both athletes highlighted the respect and admiration Vonn commands within the U.S. ski team.

Wiles went on to note that Vonn has faced countless challenges throughout her career, including numerous injuries and setbacks, yet has always remained resilient.

She described Vonn as a lifelong friend and expressed gratitude for having had such a positive influence in her life for so many years.

The emotional tributes came after Wiles and Moltzan celebrated a successful performance in Italy.

The pair captured the bronze medal in the women’s team combined competition at the Tofane Skiing Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Their achievement added another medal to Team USA’s tally and provided a memorable moment despite the disappointment surrounding Vonn’s injury.

Another American pairing, consisting of Breezy Johnson and Mikaela Shiffrin, narrowly missed out on a podium finish and ended the event in fourth place. Johnson had already enjoyed success earlier in the Games after winning gold in the women’s downhill event on February 8.

Meanwhile, Vonn broke her silence regarding the accident through a heartfelt social media message posted one day after her crash.

In the statement, she acknowledged that her Olympic journey had not concluded in the way she had envisioned.

Vonn admitted that the ending was far from the perfect storybook conclusion she had hoped for. However, she accepted the outcome as part of the reality of elite sport and life itself.

The four-time overall World Cup champion explained that she had pursued her Olympic dream with complete commitment and had worked tirelessly to put herself in a position to compete for another medal.

Reflecting on the nature of downhill skiing, Vonn emphasized how small the margins can be between success and disaster. She pointed out that a difference of only a few inches can separate a perfect racing line from a catastrophic accident.

Despite the physical pain caused by the injury, Vonn made it clear that she had no regrets.

She said simply reaching the starting gate and having an opportunity to compete for Olympic glory was an achievement she would always treasure.

For Vonn, the chance to stand among the world’s best athletes and believe she could win was a victory in itself.

She also acknowledged the inherent risks that come with alpine skiing, noting that the sport has always been dangerous and will continue to carry significant risks for competitors.

Although her Olympic campaign ended prematurely, Vonn’s response reflected the determination and resilience that have defined her remarkable career.

As she begins her recovery from surgery, the tributes from Wiles and Moltzan serve as a reminder that Vonn’s legacy extends far beyond medals and championships. Through her mentorship, generosity, and willingness to support fellow athletes, she has inspired a generation of skiers who continue to benefit from her guidance both on and off the mountain.