Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has publicly backed skier Lindsey Vonn against critics urging her retirement following her severe Olympic injury, emphasizing that Vonn will decide her future on her own terms.
Following her dramatic crash in the women's downhill at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics—detailed in prior coverage—Lindsey Vonn, 41, faced mounting speculation about ending her career after suffering a complex left tibia fracture that required five surgeries.
Vonn firmly rejected retirement calls, including from fans and her father, Alan Kildow. Responding to a fan's comment, “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 wrote, “Who said I was retiring?” and “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.” Her father stated, “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.”
On March 16, 2026, Martina Navratilova shared a HuffPost article on the exchange, captioning it: “Lindsey will call it quits on her own terms. Meantime get well, and then she will see 🙂 go Champ!!!” This gesture underscores their mutual respect. Vonn had previously celebrated Navratilova’s recovery from throat and neck cancer diagnosed in 2022, posting at Wimbledon 2023: “even happier to see” her “healthy and smiling.” Both athletes exemplify resilience in overcoming major health setbacks.
