Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated skiing legend, shared the tragic news of the passing of her beloved dog, Lucy, on Sunday night.
The 40-year-old skier revealed earlier in the week that her 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a loyal companion throughout her travels, was suffering from failing kidneys.
Despite the grim prognosis, Vonn made her way to Utah to spend time with Lucy in her final days.
Lucy’s Legacy and Special Moments with Lindsey
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Vonn shared the devastating news of Lucy’s death, accompanied by photos of the two together.
Reflecting on their time together, Vonn wrote, “Today my sweet, sweet Lucy left us. 9 years ago she came into my life, and from the very first moment until the very last, she brought so much light and love to me and everyone she met.”
Their adventures were many: skiing, hiking, exploring new places, and even attending the Olympics together.
“We went on so many incredible adventures, creating memories that I am beyond lucky to have shared with her,” Vonn said.
She also shared that Lucy was always fearless, never shying away from new experiences, and that their bond was one of pure, unconditional love.
Finding Comfort in Belief and Family
In her emotional tribute, Vonn expressed her belief that Lucy was now reunited with her late mother and other beloved family members in heaven. “I envision them all together, running around, happy and no longer in pain,” she wrote, seeking solace in the idea that Lucy was still watching over her. Vonn ended the post with a loving farewell, “Lucy, you will always be my light. Until we meet again…I love you, my princess.”
Vonn also expressed her gratitude to the veterinarians who had cared for Lucy over the years, especially during her final days. While she mourned the loss of Lucy, Vonn found comfort knowing that her other dog, Leo, was still doing well at 12 years old and in remission after a cancer diagnosis.
Support from Fellow Athletes
The post garnered an outpouring of support from fellow athletes, including WNBA star Cameron Brink and tennis ace Coco Gauff.
Brink wrote, “Sending you so much love,” while Gauff shared, “I am so sorry,” both offering heartfelt condolences during this difficult time for the skiing champion.
A Bittersweet End to a Comeback Season
Vonn’s return to skiing this season was marked by both triumph and sorrow.
Despite her grief over Lucy’s health, Vonn ended her comeback season with a runner-up finish in a World Cup super-G race, becoming the oldest female Alpine skier to earn a World Cup podium spot.
It was an emotional achievement for Vonn, who had battled through pain and uncertainty after undergoing a partial knee replacement nearly a year ago.
In her post-race comments, Vonn spoke about the deep emotions that came with securing a podium finish after such a long time.
“I used every last ounce of energy that I had,” she said. The experience felt similar to her gold medal run in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, a moment she holds dear and still brings tears to her eyes.
Looking Forward to Future Goals
Vonn is now focused on her next steps, including equipment testing for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
She admitted that after a challenging year of comeback preparations, she was looking forward to training more effectively and fine-tuning her performance for future competitions. “It feels great,” she said of her podium finish.
“I always knew that I could do it… I think a lot of people saw on Sunday what it meant to me.”
With a renewed sense of confidence and determination, Vonn is gearing up for the next chapter of her career.
“That skill set I have has not gone away, and it gives me a lot of confidence for next year,” she shared, looking forward to the challenges ahead.