Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, the iconic alpine skier who returned to competition this season after a five-year hiatus, shared a heartfelt moment from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s 59th Annual Gold Medal Gala, describing it as “a great night with the US Ski Team” on her Instagram page.
The post, which quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments from fans and fellow athletes, featured glamorous photos from the star-studded event held Thursday evening at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. Vonn, 40, appeared radiant in a sleek black gown, posing alongside rising star Lauren Macuga and other teammates against a backdrop of elegant decor and celebratory vibes. The images captured the essence of camaraderie and inspiration, with Vonn beaming in group shots that highlighted the team’s unbreakable bond.
The gala, presented by J. Crew, shattered fundraising records by raising $3.2 million to support U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes and programs, including training initiatives and athlete development. Proceeds from table purchases, a live auction hosted by emcee Harry Santa-Ollala, and a paddle raise will directly fund the organization’s efforts as the 2025-26 FIS Alpine World Cup season kicks off this weekend in Sölden, Austria. Vonn’s appearance underscored her renewed commitment to the team, following her dramatic comeback to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team for the 2024-25 season.
A highlight of the evening was an on-stage panel featuring Vonn and Macuga, where the duo discussed the transformative power of mentorship and the “full-circle moments” in their careers. Macuga, a promising young downhill specialist, revealed that Vonn was her childhood idol, inspiring her own path in the sport. “Growing up, Lindsey was the hero every young racer dreamed of being,” Macuga shared during the conversation. Now teammates, the pair exchanged stories of resilience, with Vonn emphasizing how passing the torch to the next generation fuels her passion at this stage of her legendary career.
Vonn, who boasts 82 World Cup victories—the second-most in women’s history behind Mikaela Shiffrin—and three Olympic medals (including gold in downhill at Vancouver 2010), retired in 2019 amid injuries but announced her return last fall at age 39. Her 2024-25 season included strong showings, such as a sixth-place finish in downhill at St. Anton and a runner-up in super-G at the Sun Valley season finale, marking her first podium in over seven years. Selected for the 2025 World Championships team, Vonn placed 15th in downhill at Saalbach despite battling illness, signaling her competitive edge remains sharp as she eyes the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.
Off the slopes, Vonn continues to champion women’s empowerment through her Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which supports girls in underserved communities, and her investments in ventures like the Utah Royals in the NWSL. Her Instagram caption, simple yet evocative, resonated with followers: “A great night with the US Ski Team,” accompanied by emojis of skis and hearts, encapsulating the joy of reconnection amid her high-stakes return to elite racing.
As the snow begins to fall in the Alps, Vonn’s message serves as a rallying cry for Team USA. With the World Cup opener set for Saturday, all eyes will be on the veteran star and her teammates as they chase glory on the global stage. For Vonn, this “great night” is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of the enduring spirit that has defined her unparalleled legacy.
