Lindsey Vonn teared up during one heck of an emotional interview after her run in the downhill at the 2018 Winter Olympics on Wednesday.
Vonn entered the race knowing that it was likely to be her final downhill ever at the Olympics. She knew immediately after her run that she was not going to win gold, and she was hoping her time would be good enough to get her the silver medal. She ended up with the bronze.
During an interview with NBC’s Heather Cox after most of the competitors had gone, Vonn broke down when asked about her late grandfather, to whom she had dedicated her performance.
In an emotional post-race interview, @lindseyvonn says that this was her last Olympic downhill and she hopes she made her late grandfather proud. #WinterOlympics https://t.co/YtEpNzDMDu pic.twitter.com/fqtsM6IRCY
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 21, 2018
“It’s been really hard for me not to get emotional for so many reasons. I wanted to win so much because of him. But I still think I made him proud. Our family never gives up, and I never gave up. I kept working hard, and I’m really proud of this medal. I know he is too,” Vonn said.
Once the tears began, they kept coming for Vonn when she reflected on her final downhill ski at the Olympics.
“I gave it my best shot. I tried so hard and I worked my butt off. I’m proud to have competed with such aamzing girls. My teammates have been really supportive and helped each other. I’m really happy and proud to have been competing with them. To have their support … it’s been fun.
“It’s sad. This is my last downhill. I wish I could keep going. I have so much fun. I love what I do. My body just probably can’t take another four years. But I’m proud. I’m proud to have competed for my country. I’m proud to have given it my all. I’m proud to hopefully come away with a medal.”
Vonn indeed came away with a medal. She won bronze in the event, becoming the oldest alpine skier to win a medal at the Winter Olympics. She now has three career Olympic medals — one gold and two bronzes.
