Lindsey Vonn has shared a heartfelt message on social media, admitting she's been in tears as her grip on the World No. 1 spot slips away.
The American skiing legend posted on Instagram on Friday, writing: "Well… I've had the red leader bib from the first race of the season until now, but in all likelihood tomorrow will be my last day as #1."
The 41-year-old reflected on how few people thought she could reach such heights this season.
"At the beginning of the season no one would have ever believed I would be even close to this position," she said. "And I bet people would have laughed if it was even suggested."
Lindsey Vonn had to receive treatment in hospital after her crash at the Winter Olympics
| GETTYVonn's journey back to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. She stepped away from competitive skiing in 2019, only to make a stunning return in 2024 with her sights firmly set on the Olympics.
What makes her comeback even more remarkable is that she achieved it with a partial knee replacement.
"I clawed my way back to #1 in the world after being retired for 6 years with a partial knee replacement and that alone was an incredible achievement I won't ever forget," she wrote.
Throughout this season, she finished on the podium in every single downhill race, claiming two victories along the way.
Her season came to a devastating end at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on 8 February. Just 13 seconds into her downhill run, Vonn crashed badly and had to be airlifted from the course.
The injuries were severe. She underwent multiple surgeries, and reports emerged that doctors had even considered amputation due to the extent of the damage to her left leg.
What made her Olympic attempt even more courageous was that she had torn her ACL just weeks before the Games. Despite knowing the risks, she chose to compete anyway.
She's now focused on rehabilitation, working to regain the ability to stand on both legs again.
In her emotional post, Vonn opened up about why losing the title hurts so much.
Lindsey Vonn broke her leg following a devastating crash at the Winter Olympics in Cortina last month, bringing a cruel end to her Games ambitions
| GETTY"Why am I crying over a crystal trophy?" she asked. "It's because skiing has always been the thing I love to do most in this world."
She admitted her tears simply show how deeply she cares about the sport that has defined her career.
"Whether I'll ever be able to do it again is yet to be seen," she wrote. "But at least I have the memories, with or without a title, I feel privileged to have had this adventure."
Vonn concluded by thanking fans for joining her on this remarkable journey, adding: "Skiing is what I love to do but it's not who I am. There are so many reasons to be happy."