Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn turned heads off the slopes, captivating audiences with her poised elegance during a filming break for the debut Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Awards.
The 40-year-old gold medalist, known for her trailblazing achievements in alpine skiing, stepped into the spotlight as a cohost for the prestigious event. Pre-recorded in Las Vegas and streamed live online on Saturday evening, the awards ceremony celebrated excellence in athletics with Vonn sharing hosting duties alongside former NBA star Richard Jefferson, ESPN’s Cari Champion, and retired NFL standout Chad Johnson.
Taking a moment amid the production, Vonn struck a striking pose in a vibrant red maxi dress that blended sophistication with bold flair. The floor-length gown featured a sleek turtleneck bodice accented by daring side cutouts, accentuating her statuesque 5-foot-10 frame. She paired the ensemble with glossy red satin strappy heels and let her signature long blonde hair cascade straight down her back, parted neatly in the center for a polished finish.
Vonn, ever the engaging storyteller, gave fans an exclusive peek behind the curtain via Instagram. She shared a series of photos from the set, including her glamorous red-carpet-ready look, as well as a lighthearted video montage capturing the hosts in high spirits—trading jokes and camaraderie amid the glamour. “So excited to host the first ever Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Awards!” she captioned the post, radiating enthusiasm for the milestone occasion.
Vonn’s foray into broadcasting marks another chapter in her multifaceted career. The downhill pioneer etched her name in history as the first American woman to claim Olympic gold in the discipline at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. She dominated the World Cup circuit with four consecutive titles from 2008 to 2012—a feat matched by only one other female skier. Beyond the mountains, Vonn has embraced new horizons, including her engagement to NHL defenseman P.K. Subban and her role as host of Amazon’s adventure-competition series The Pack, which pairs human teams with their canine companions in a global race reminiscent of The Amazing Race.
As the sports world continues to evolve, Vonn’s seamless transition from athlete to media personality underscores her enduring influence and versatility. The full awards broadcast, highlighting top performers across disciplines, is available for streaming on Sports Illustrated’s digital platforms.
