At the TIME 2024 Women of the Year Gala in West Hollywood, Lindsey Vonn, the renowned Olympic alpine skier, opened up about her ongoing journey of dealing with the loss of her beloved mother, Lindy Anne Lund, who succumbed to ALS in 2022. Amidst the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, Vonn shared an intimate glimpse into her heartache and the ways in which she continues to honor her mother’s memory.
Recalling cherished moments spent with her mother, Vonn revealed a poignant detail: she still preserves her mom’s contact information and text messages on her phone. Lund had a habit of sending daily texts to the family group chat, often accompanied by inspirational quotes. For Vonn, these messages serve as precious mementos, offering solace and a sense of connection to her mother’s enduring spirit.
Despite the bittersweetness of revisiting these texts, Vonn expressed a newfound sense of peace in doing so. Initially, tears would often accompany these reflections, but as time passes, she finds herself able to look back on them with a mix of fondness and joy. It’s a gradual journey towards healing, marked by moments of both sorrow and celebration.
Yet, amidst the grief, Vonn humorously admits to occasional emotional outbursts, describing herself as “spontaneously combust[ing] a lot still.” It’s a testament to the complexity of the grieving process, where moments of laughter and tears often intertwine. But through it all, Vonn finds comfort in the tangible reminders of her mother’s presence, including her untouched contact entry at the top of her text chain.
The loss of her mother has profoundly shaped Vonn’s perspective on life, inspiring her to live each day with intention and gratitude. Lund’s unwavering resilience in the face of ALS serves as a constant source of motivation for Vonn, reminding her to seize every opportunity and approach each challenge with courage and determination.
In her commitment to raising awareness about ALS, Vonn honors her mother’s legacy, channeling her grief into action. Through advocacy and education, she hopes to shed light on this devastating disease and support efforts towards finding a cure.
Beyond her advocacy work, Vonn finds solace in physical activity, using exercise as a means of processing her emotions and maintaining a positive mindset. For her, working out serves as a form of therapy, allowing her to release pent-up emotions and gain clarity amidst the chaos of grief.
Reflecting on her mother’s own struggles with disability, Vonn acknowledges the privilege of her athletic abilities and the responsibility that comes with it. Despite the guilt she sometimes feels for pursuing her passions while her mother couldn’t, Vonn views her achievements as a tribute to her mother’s indomitable spirit.
As she navigates the complexities of grief and loss, Lindsey Vonn remains steadfast in her commitment to preserving her mother’s memory and honoring her enduring legacy. Through her words and actions, she continues to inspire others to embrace life’s challenges with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.
