Lindsey Vonn has a message for everyone weighing in on her future, including her own father: she's not done yet. Following a public plea from her dad to retire after a serious injury, the skiing legend took to social media to make it clear she will be the only one to decide when her career is over.

"Who said I was retiring?" Vonn replied to a user who was speculating about her future. Another user jumped into the conversation, writing, “The ego is so strong with this one. Take your medicine, Lindsey. You nearly lost your leg. Put your feet up and be done.”

Vonn replied humbly while rejecting the user's opinion, “[I] think you’re mistaking my ego for joy. I’ve said it my whole life; I love skiing. I’ll put my feet up when I’m good and ready thank you.”

The USA alpine skier suffered a horrific leg injury in the women's downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, which saw her get airlifted to the hospital and undergo several surgeries on her left leg.

Vonn's motivation to continue is notable, as the decorated skier has little left to prove in her sport. The 41-year-old is one of the most decorated alpine skiers of all time with three Olympic medals under her belt, including a gold in 2010, along with 84 World Cup wins and 20 World Cup globe titles.

But Vonn's recent comments might not sit well with her father, Alan Kildow, who has been against her return to the sport right from the moment she crashed in Milan-Cortina.

“She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career. There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.” Kildow, who is a former skier himself, told the Associated Press in February.

Vonn has previously stated that her injury in Milan-Cortina was not her worst one in her career, and that she has suffered more brutal knee injuries, which kept her out of action from 2019 to 2024, her initial retirement.

With her extensive list of achievements, some question Vonn's decision to continue risking injury.

Lindsey Vonn Gives Bold Statement On Her Retirement Rumours

Lindsey Vonn further reacted to her retirement rumours by posting her thoughts firmly on X on Sunday, suggesting that she will end her career on her own terms and not because of any outside noise.

“No, I’m not ready to discuss my future in skiing. My focus has been on recovering from my injury and getting back to normal life. I was already retired for 6 years and have an amazing life outside of skiing."

"It was incredible to be #1 in the world again at 41 years old and set new records in my sport, but at my age, I’m the only one that will decide my future. I don’t need anyone’s permission to do what makes me happy. Maybe that means racing again, maybe that doesn’t. Only time will tell. Please stop telling me what I should or should not do. I’ll let you know when I decide.” Vonn wrote.

While she hasn't officially announced a comeback, the Olympic gold medalist signaled she won't give up without trying, posting a quote from Michael Jordan on her Instagram story.

Read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar