LAKE LOUISE,CANADA,05.DEC.15 – Lindsey Vonn (USA). Photo: GEPA pictures

The American Downhillers and Lindsey Vonn discussed the Lake Louise downhill course, where she dominated for 17 years (14 wins). They also discussed her takes on development, World Cup rivalries, equipment, coaching, and people telling her she “couldn’t do something.” She even dropped nuggets of wisdom throughout. The interview will inspire young athletes, educate coaches, and put a smile on all of her fans’ faces.

Right off the bat Vonn shared her thoughts on the course that some people call “Lake Lindsey” and how she was able to create speed on every inch of the course. She was able to “find the rhythm” of the course from day one. This translated into a confidence that she could win no matter how many mistakes she would make. Her key to the course? The “Fall-Away” turn that most often separated her from the rest of the field.

A lot of the interview centered around the importance of the mental skills she had, which seemed more important to her than the technical skills. She was motivated by challenges, competitors, speed, risk, and her ultimate elixir – when somebody told her she couldn’t do something! Unfortunately for her rivals, if she heard about someone doubting her abilities, she took that and turned it into inspiration to work even harder!

Another takeaway is the fact that Vonn “never skied to have the perfect run.” She always was pushing the limits to see “what she could get away with”. Her view of risk and never wanting to have the regret of not pushing it to the limit is inspiring. However, it is also a peek into the reasons why she sometimes pushed it too far and was injured a lot.

We find out how a young 11 year-old from the 300 vertical drop of Buck Hill became the World’s best speed skier. She combined her technical skills honed run after run in Minnesota with her speed skills learned on the big slopes of Vail. Turning herself into the ultimate speed weapon who went on to win 43 Downhills all over the globe.

Doug, Daron and Marco then bring up her focus on equipment and how important dialing in skis and boots is to both a junior and a World Cup Superstar. Vonn talks about how she questioned everything, especially why she couldn’t and/or shouldn’t use the stiffer Men’s skis, and how that lead to her biggest win in Lake Louise – a whopping 1.95 seconds in 2011! Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BEHqBwIrmQ

Watch the full podcast

Other topics they touch upon include:

 – Nutrition and how she ultimately found what works for her through many years of experimenting,

 – How Patrick Riml affected her career and the challenges he has now that he is back with the US Ski Team,

 – Her thoughts on Breezy, Bella, Trisha and the up and comers on the US Women’s speed team,

 – And she answers the question; Are Downhillers wound too tight or is something a bit too loose?

The American Downhillers also learned the reason behind her start routine of systematically gripping and re-gripping her poles in the starting gate. Vonn ends the interview by sharing with her latest workout routines, the way she enjoys skiing these days, and the many things she is involved with to keep challenging herself. This interview is filled with excellent takeaways that will inspire young athletes, guide coaches, and entertain her many fans.