Alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn is once again defying expectations, setting her sights on a triumphant return to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina while simultaneously exploring a surprising new passion: rodeo roping. This dual pursuit highlights Vonn’s relentless drive for competition and her desire to forge an unexpected “next big adventure” beyond the ski slopes.
The Unexpected Pivot: Embracing the Cowgirl Era
Just when fans thought they knew Lindsey Vonn’s trajectory, the 41-year-old Olympian has revealed an exciting, unforeseen twist: a deep dive into the world of rodeo roping. Fresh off her decision to come out of retirement to compete as a professional skier once more, Vonn announced her “cowgirl era” during an October 27 appearance on the Today show. She humorously added, “Post-Olympics I’m going to be in my cowgirl era, like, roping. I think rodeo, it could be the next big adventure,” signaling a significant shift in her athletic pursuits, as reported by People.
Vonn’s journey into roping began in earnest during the summer of 2025. Following a trip to the mountains that included horseback riding and attending a local rodeo, she was inspired to pick up the lasso. Her initial training involved practicing on a fake steer, and she was fortunate enough to learn from a master. Vonn credited six-time world champion Cody Ohl for her rapid progress, stating, “Learning from a 6x world champ made it a quick study.” Ohl, a celebrated figure in the rodeo world, is renowned for his multiple Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) world titles in events such as calf roping and steer wrestling, a testament to his expertise recognized by organizations like the PRCA.
This unexpected passion for roping offers a glimpse into Vonn’s multifaceted personality and her unwavering desire for new challenges. It also provides a potential answer to the question of what drives an athlete of her caliber once the spotlight of the Olympics fades. As she teased on Instagram in July 2025, “Maybe next summer when I have a lot of time I’ll get into this more? 👀 Giddy up!!” This suggests a genuine enthusiasm that extends beyond a fleeting hobby.
The Road to Milano Cortina 2026: An Unprecedented Comeback
Despite her newfound “cowgirl era,” Vonn’s immediate focus remains firmly fixed on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Her goals are ambitious: not only to qualify for the prestigious event but also to secure a coveted podium spot. Reflecting on her preparations, Vonn expressed confidence in her current form. “Yeah, I feel pretty good. I mean, we really won’t know until about two weeks before the Games,” she told the Today show. “But considering my second place finish last year and the ranking, I’m in a really good spot. Training’s been going really well. I feel strong. So I’m confident that I’ll be in a good spot. I mean, my goal is not just to make the team.”
Vonn’s storied career includes an impressive collection of Olympic hardware: one gold and two bronze medals. Her gold and first bronze were earned at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, followed by a second bronze at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. Her comeback for 2026 demonstrates her relentless pursuit of excellence and a desire to add to her already legendary status.
Age as an Advantage: Defying Critics and Setting Records
Competing at 41, Vonn is well aware of the discussions surrounding her age, but she views it as a significant asset. “I think, honestly, this is some of the best shape I’ve ever been in,” Vonn asserted. The professional skier attributes this remarkable physical condition partly to a partial knee replacement, which she feels has given her a new lease on her abilities. “I think because I have a partial knee replacement now, I feel amazing. I can do whatever I want. And I think I have a pretty good chance. I think my age is a positive in this situation.”
This perspective is backed by recent achievements. In March 2025, Vonn made history by becoming the oldest woman to ever podium at a World Cup event. This monumental second-place finish at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Sun Valley Finals was a powerful statement to her doubters. “It’s been a rough season of people saying that I can’t, that I’m too old, that I’m not good enough anymore. I think I proved everyone wrong,” she proudly told People at the time. This comeback is not just about winning; it’s about redefining what’s possible for athletes at any age.
Beyond the Slopes: Vonn’s Entrepreneurial Drive and Past Ventures
Long before her recent comeback and foray into rodeo, Lindsey Vonn had already demonstrated a relentless drive for success beyond competitive skiing. After her initial retirement, she openly admitted that the transition was tougher than expected, confessing to feeling “lazy mentally” without a singular goal. This led her to embrace a diverse portfolio of projects, showcasing her ambition to be “more than just a skier and an athlete,” a sentiment she expressed in an earlier interview.
Her post-skiing endeavors have included:
- The Lindsey Vonn Foundation: Actively supporting STEM education for girls.
- Memoir: Working on “Rise” with writer Dan Paisner.
- Film Production: Executive producing a feature film alongside Robert Redford and Pete Berg.
- Nutrition Brand: Co-founding Ladder, a nutrition supplement company, with high-profile partners like Arnold Schwarzenegger, LeBron James, and Cindy Crawford. This venture was a steep learning curve, as Vonn admitted.
- Collaborations: Ongoing partnerships with brands like Under Armour and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Project Rock.
- Beauty Line: Developing a proprietary line of sustainable and organic beauty products specifically for active women, designed to protect skin without causing breakouts.
These ventures underscore Vonn’s entrepreneurial spirit and her passion for making an impact off the mountain. She believes that “successful people are passionate about what they do,” and she is clearly on a mission to find that same fire and drive in new areas, striving to be even more successful in business than she was as an athlete.
What’s Next for the Alpine Icon?
Lindsey Vonn’s story is a testament to an athlete who continually seeks evolution and new avenues for greatness. Her upcoming bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics, combined with her surprising yet genuine passion for rodeo roping, paints a picture of an individual unwilling to be confined by past achievements or conventional expectations. Fans are undoubtedly eager to witness her performance in Milan and follow her journey into the “cowgirl era,” cheering on a legend who truly embodies the thrill of victory and the endless pursuit of personal bests, on and off the slopes. Vonn’s path reminds us that true champions never stop exploring their potential, forever finding new adventures.
