Three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn has been trying to navigate through a personal loss over the past few days.
Vonn, 40, recently returned to ski racing despite undergoing partial knee replacement in the past. Less than two weeks ago, she won a silver medal in the super-G at the World Cup finals. It was a reminder to the rest of her competition that she’s still capable of achieving greatness.
Unfortunately for Vonn, she hasn’t been able to fully enjoy her success on the slopes. That’s because Lucy, her beloved Charles Spaniel, passed away. She shared this heartbreaking news on social media.
“We traveled the world together, skied, hiked, biked, explored, went down waterfalls, up in air balloons, to the Olympics… we went on SO many incredible adventures together, and created so many memories that I am beyond lucky to have shared with her. We even had our own TV show,” Vonn wrote on Instagram this Monday. “There was nothing Lucy couldn’t do! She was never scared, never hesitant to try something new, she was always happy, loved big and unconditionally. There will never be enough words to describe how much I love her and my heart will never ever be the same without her. There will never be another Lucy.”
Vonn enjoyed Lucy’s company for nine years. As you’d expect, she’s devastated at the moment.
Vonn revealed on Wednesday night that she hasn’t stopped crying since losing Lucy.
“Last week was probably the most intense roller coaster of emotions I’ve ever experienced. On Sunday I achieved something that most people thought impossible. Getting a medal at the World Cup finals is one of my proudest achievements in my career. On Tuesday, it was my Mother’s birthday, which I am so thankful to celebrate but is another reminder that she is no longer with us,” Vonn wrote on Instagram. “I brought Lucy home from the hospital Tuesday night and spent the next 5 days snuggling her and trying to enjoy our final days together. On Sunday, Lucy went to be with my Mom in heaven. From the highest highs, to the lowest lows… life has a way of always challenging us every single day.
“Right now I’m trying to regroup… recenter… and just stop crying. I’m with friends and that is helping a lot but life will never be the same. Trying to be thankful to have all the memories with Lucy and my Mom… but not a day goes by that I don’t want to call my Mom, and I know not a day will go by where I don’t want a kiss from my little princess.”
Countless fans have offered their kind words to Vonn during this difficult time. We’re hoping the love she’s receiving on social media ends up helping her heal from this loss.