Lindsey Vonn is recovering from a serious leg injury, using crutches, and plans further surgery, but hasn't ruled out a return to competitive ski racing.
She emphasizes that making a living in skiing and Olympic sports is exceptionally hard, requiring athletes to build personal brands beyond their sport.
Vonn personally invests in women's sports teams like Angel City, Utah Royals, and LA FC, viewing them as undervalued with significant growth potential.
She believes women's sports are gaining value due to increased attention from star athletes (e.g., Caitlin Clark) and decades of advocacy (e.g., Billie Jean King).
Vonn advocates for athletes to use social media to tell their stories and engage fans, which is crucial for driving revenue in non-Olympic years.
Her investments in women's sports are primarily passion-driven to support female athletes, with financial gains as a secondary, anticipated benefit.
She maintains long-term sponsorships and partnerships, such as with Vivid for health education, aligning with her personal values.
The business of skiing lacks consistent TV revenue outside Olympics, and athletes must diversify income streams through branding and content.