American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has delivered a powerful and introspective message to nominees at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, reminding athletes and fans alike that true success in sport extends far beyond medals and podium finishes.
In a social media post shared ahead of Monday evening’s gala at Madrid’s iconic Cibeles Palace, Vonn wrote:
“For me, The Laureus Awards have always been a special moment to reflect on what sport can represent beyond competition… It’s not just about winning, it’s about resilience, growth, and the impact we can have on others along the way that can extend far beyond sport. Wishing all the nominees at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards the very best. Enjoy every moment 👏🏻 – LV”
As a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy and a past honoree — including the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award in 2019 — Vonn’s words carry particular weight. Her message arrives at a poignant moment in her own career, just months after a dramatic and injury-plagued comeback attempt at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where she suffered a severe crash in the downhill that ended her bid for Olympic glory but underscored her philosophy of daring greatly despite the risks.
The 2026 Laureus Awards, often described as the “Oscars of Sport,” celebrate the outstanding performances of 2025 across multiple categories, with winners chosen exclusively by the Laureus World Sports Academy — a jury of more than 60 sporting legends. Nominees include tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for Sportsman of the Year, and swimming and athletics standouts such as Katie Ledecky and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone for Sportswoman of the Year. Co-hosts Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu will lead the ceremony at Cibeles Palace in Madrid, which is hosting the event for the third consecutive year.
Vonn, who previously hosted the awards, has long used her platform to highlight sport’s role in personal development and societal impact. Her latest message serves as a timely “wake-up call” for nominees and the wider sporting world: while podiums define a season, the lasting legacy lies in how athletes overcome adversity, evolve through challenges, and inspire those around them.
As the red carpet rolls out in Madrid on April 20, Vonn’s reflection reinforces the core ethos of the Laureus Awards — honoring not only excellence on the field, but the human stories of resilience and growth that define true champions.
