Lindsey Vonn shines in post-divorce competitions

When professional skier Lindsey Vonn announced that she and her husband of four years were getting a divorce, many speculated that the split would significantly affect both her skiing and her career. Well, those naysayers were right – but not in the way that they anticipated.

In fact, in the months since Vonn announced her impending divorce, she has been performing better than ever on the slopes. She has won six races and is currently leading the overall World Cup standings by a significant margin. She is also currently ranked in the top 15 in all four disciplines for the first time in her career, and she is one of only five female skiers in history to win in all five skiing events.

Although not an official U.S. Ski Team coach, Thomas Vonn, a former U.S. Ski Team racer, had taken over the roles of personal coach, professional adviser and scheduler for his wife, whom he married in 2007. He coordinated all of the logistical details of her skiing career, leaving her free to focus on her technique. You can read more about the Vonns’ marriage in our earlier Las Vegas divorce blog post.

However, it appears that Vonn has found support in the form of a new coaching team, resulting in a successful ski season thus far.

In addition to her achievements on the slopes, U.S. speed head coach Chip White told the Associated Press that he has seen positive changes in Lindsey’s personality as well. “She’s more lighthearted, she’s engaged with teammates, other teams, and the coaches,” he said. “She just seems to be having a good time.”

Source: The Huffington Post, “Lindsey Vonn’s Divorce Isn’t Hindering Performance,” Andrew Dampf, Jan. 16, 2012