Lindsey Vonn says training gave her something retirement did not: time without distractions

Lindsey Vonn has stated that the singular focus of her training gave her a sense of presence that she struggled to achieve in retirement. The three-time Olympic medalist explained that being an elite athlete left little room for distractions, as she couldn't afford to be preoccupied with her phone or emails while performing at her best.

Vonn admitted to still contemplating the idea of engaging in activities like hill sprints during her recovery from an Olympic injury, but quickly dismissed it, wondering why she would want to do so in excruciating pain. The ski racer emphasized that the discipline and pain of training provided therapeutic benefits, as it allowed her to be fully focused and present.

Vonn noted that in retirement, she finds it increasingly challenging to feel completely present, as she is constantly pulled in various directions. She highlighted that her sports career creates a rare "bubble" where she can shut out the rest of the world. After initially announcing her retirement in 2019, Vonn recently informed The New York Times that she is rejoining the US ski team.

She is set to compete in her fifth Olympics during the Milan Cortina Games in 2026, following additional surgery and a mental and physical wellness check. Other athletes, such as former NFL player Tom Brady and ex-NHL player Brooks Laich, have also expressed finding it difficult to replace the intensity of competition after retiring from their respective sports.