In non-squirrel-related, Lindsey Vonn-related news, the world-class skier is reconsidering the idea of competing in the alpine skiing, World Cup opener at the end of the month. During the US Olympic Committee media summit on Wednesday, Vonn reported, “I’m feeling so strong and ready that I’m bringing that possibility back into the mix.”
If Vonn does compete in the event held in Soelden, Austria, she will be five weeks ahead of her anticipated recovery from a terrifying crash last February at the world championships in Schladming, Austria. She returned to the slopes at the end of August, joining the US ski team at its training camp in Chile.
Vonn explained that, at the time, “I was definitely pretty amped to get on snow… it was definitely worth it.” And the current queen of the Olympic downhill reports no pain or swelling to date. But she’s not taking reckless chances either, “I’m not going to race until I’m absolutely 100 percent.”
No one wins those Olympic medals by sleeping in. Vonn Tweeted and Pic’d from her 5:30 am gym workout on the 1st: “530am wake up call, Not a lot of people in the gym this early #earlybirdgetstheworm #Sochi2014 #workhard”
Vonn is picking her battles, focusing on her key events: downhill and speed. Slalom puts extra pressure on her knee and therefore is falling by the wayside. If Soelden becomes too soon for the almost 29-year-old (her birthday is the 18th of this month), she anticipates racing at the World Cup in Beaver Creek, Colorado, “for sure.”
And Vonn is planning a medal-quality performance at the Sochi Games next year, “I know I can win a medal… I look forward to defending my title in Sochi.”
Today, Vonn Tweeted from Minnesota—her birth-state—“Had an awesome time in Afton with the kids!” She was there as representative of Vail Resorts (pictured above), during a fan event put on by new member resort, Afton Alps. No rest for this busy skiing squirrel!
[Image via Lindsey Vonn official Twitter.]