"I just wanted to be a ski racer" - Lindsey Vonn reflects on what led her to decide to move to Germany alone as a 9-year-old

Lindsey Vonn is widely regarded as one of the best skiers to have ever taken to the slopes. Her journey on the snow started when she was just a child. Recently, the American opened up about the dedication she had for the sport since an early age, and what convinced her to move to Germany alone as a nine-year-old.

In her nearly two-decade career, Vonn excelled at the highest levels of the sport, creating one record after the other. The American is the winner of eight World Cup titles in the downhill discipline, five World Cup titles in super-G, and four World Cup overall championships.

Lindsey Vonn’s journey to sporting greatness began when she was just nine and made the decision to move to Germany alone for training. During a recent appearance on Qualtrics’ X4 sessions, the skier discussed what went through her mind as she made a life-changing decision, saying:

“I just wanted to be a ski racer. I didn't feel like at nine years old it was a big deal for me to go to Europe by myself. Although now, looking back, I think it's a little bit insane. I think it taught me to be independent. It taught me to be able to do whatever I set my mind to on my own. And while it seems extreme, in my mind, I just wanted to be a ski racer. And whatever that meant to get there was what I was going to do.”

Lindsey Vonn on being fearless

In the same Qualtrics X4 session, Lindsey Vonn also discussed how she approached the slopes fearlessly throughout her career. She explained that for her, the preparation she put in behind the scenes helped her gain confidence when it was time to perform.

“I don't think it has anything to do with fear, I think it has to do with preparation. When I make decisions, I feel prepared. I've put in the work, I know what direction I want to go in and that makes me fearless. I'm not just whimsically ready to stick my next out for anything," Vonn said.

Lindsey Vonn called time on her skiing career in 2019 after having struggled with multiple injuries. Since stepping away from skiing, the American has engaged in multiple new projects as a writer, investor, and entrepreneur.