Lindsey Vonn to lead record US team at Winter Olympics
Tiger Woods’ ex-girlfriend, Lindsey Vonn, will headline the biggest American contingent ever assembled for the Winter Olympics. The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee revealed on Monday that a record 232 athletes will represent the nation at the Milan-Cortina Games, which commence on Friday, February 6, reports BritPanorama.
The professional golfer and Olympic skier dated for nearly three years, from approximately March 2013 to May 2015, before announcing their separation via social media, citing their incredibly hectic and demanding professional lives which made it difficult to spend time together.
Both athletes expressed mutual admiration and respect, and Vonn remained friends with Woods and supportive of his well-being after their split.
The 41-year-old skiing icon marks an extraordinary return to elite competition following knee replacement surgery that threatened to end her illustrious career permanently. She will now compete with a titanium implant in her right knee.
The Minnesota native only made her competitive comeback in November 2024, after nearly six years away from the sport she dominated for over a decade. Vonn etched her name into Olympic history at the 2010 Vancouver Games, where she captured downhill gold and added a Super-G bronze medal to her collection.
Eight years later at PyeongChang, she secured another bronze in the downhill event, bringing her Olympic medal tally to three. Her current form suggests a fourth medal is well within reach at the Italian Alps venue. After five rounds of the nine-race World Cup downhill series, Vonn sits atop the 50-woman standings with 400 points, holding a commanding 144-point advantage over Germany’s Emma Aicher.
Vonn joins six other American athletes preparing for their fifth Olympic appearance, including figure skater Evan Bates, snowboarders Nick Baumgartner and Faye Thelen, bobsleigh competitors Kaillie Humphries and Elana Meyers Taylor, and ice hockey player Hilary Knight. The squad comprises 115 women and 117 men, with 98 members bringing previous Olympic experience to Italy.
At just 15 years old, freeskier Abby Winterberger represents the youngest competitor, whilst curler Rich Ruohonen, aged 54, is the most senior team member. The American delegation surpasses their previous record of 228 athletes sent to the 2018 South Korea Games and includes 33 Olympic medallists and 18 champions.
USOPC chief executive officer Sarah Hirshland said: “Today we proudly introduce the 2026 US Olympic team a group of extraordinary athletes whose commitment, perseverance and spirit reflect the very best of Team USA.” Chef de Mission Rocky Harris described the American lineup as “a team full of proven champions and fearless newcomers that have the potential to take Team USA’s winter performance to a new level and inspire a nation in the process.” Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin will compete at her fourth Games, whilst snowboarder Chloe Kim heads to her third, with both athletes having claimed two gold medals previously. NHL players return to Olympic competition for the first time since Sochi 2014.
As winter sports gear up for the Milan-Cortina showcase, the anticipation surrounding Vonn’s performance adds a layer of excitement—proof that even the greatest can return to the top. It’s a reminder that the Olympic spirit thrives amid challenges, and for Vonn, every race is a celebration of resilience.
