On the night of March 30, 2025, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn shared the heartbreaking news that her beloved dog, Lucy, had passed away.
Lucy, a 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, had been a constant companion and a source of comfort for Vonn, especially during her demanding career.
Earlier that week, Vonn had posted on social media revealing that Lucy’s kidneys were failing.
The news was grim, and Vonn decided to spend the final days with her furry friend at her home in Utah.
Just five days later, Vonn took to Instagram to announce Lucy’s death, paying tribute to their shared life.
A Life Full of Adventures
In her emotional Instagram post, Vonn shared a collection of photos of herself with Lucy. “Today my sweet, sweet Lucy left us,” Vonn wrote.
“Nine 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.”
Vonn reflected on their incredible adventures together, including traveling the world, skiing, hiking, biking, and even soaring in hot air balloons.
She expressed how lucky she felt to have shared so many memories with Lucy. “We even had our own TV show!” Vonn added.
“There was nothing Lucy couldn’t do! She was never scared, never hesitant to try something new.
She was always happy, loved big, and unconditionally.”
A Deep Love and Unbreakable Bond
Vonn’s tribute was filled with love and sorrow. “There will never be enough words to describe how much I love her, and my heart will never ever be the same without her.
There will never be another Lucy,” she wrote.
She also took comfort in the thought that Lucy was now with her mother, Bear, and other loved ones in heaven, imagining them running around, free from pain and watching over her.
Vonn also expressed gratitude to the veterinarians who helped Lucy over the years, especially in her final days.
“Thank you to all the incredible veterinarians who helped her… you all did everything possible to save her, and I will be forever grateful.”
Support from Friends and Fellow Athletes
Vonn’s followers, including fellow athletes like WNBA star Cameron Brink and tennis player Coco Gauff, quickly shared their condolences.
“Sending you so much love,” Brink wrote, with a heart emoji, while Gauff simply wrote, “I am so sorry,” followed by two hearts.
It was clear that Vonn had the support of her friends and the sports community during such a tough time.
Back on the Podium with a Heavy Heart
Despite the sadness of Lucy’s passing, Vonn had a remarkable finish to her comeback season.
At 40 years old, she secured a second-place finish in the World Cup super-G, becoming the oldest female Alpine skier to earn a World Cup podium spot in nearly six years.
Her performance was especially emotional, as it marked her first World Cup podium finish since March 2018, and the tears she shed reflected a mix of relief, joy, and pride in her achievement.
Reflecting on her return to the sport, Vonn shared, “I knew that sometimes when you know the only option is to perform, it brings the best out of me.”
She also mentioned that the emotions she felt after her race were similar to those she experienced during her gold medal run at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, a moment she still finds incredibly emotional to this day.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Vonn’s season concluded on a high note, with her right knee—now fitted with titanium—feeling strong.
Her back was a little sore, but overall, she was pleased with how her comeback had unfolded. “It feels great.
I always knew that I could do it… I think a lot of people saw on Sunday what it meant to me,” she said.
Looking ahead, Vonn is focused on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, where she plans to continue her training and equipment testing.
“Now I actually get to train and do it in the correct way,” she shared.
“One of the biggest reasons why I love ski racing is you have to perform when the stakes are highest.”
Despite the personal challenges, Vonn’s journey continues, filled with gratitude for the past and excitement for what lies ahead in her career.