Lindsey Vonn has offered one of the most emotionally resonant messages of the 2026 awards season, urging the world’s top athletes to look beyond the podium and embrace the deeper values that sport represents.
In her pre-ceremony post, the retired downhill queen and Laureus Academy member reflected:
“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.”
Vonn’s words are striking in their sincerity, especially coming from an athlete whose own journey has been defined by spectacular triumphs and equally public setbacks. Her courageous — though ultimately heartbreaking — return to Olympic competition at Milano Cortina 2026, which ended in a high-speed crash and serious injury, exemplified the very resilience she now encourages others to celebrate.2d7f4b
The 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, taking place tonight at Madrid’s historic Cibeles Palace, bring together elite athletes, Academy members, and global celebrities to honor the standout achievements of 2025. With nominees spanning tennis, athletics, swimming, and more, the evening promises glamour and inspiration in equal measure. Yet Vonn’s message shifts the focus from individual glory to collective and personal growth.
As a two-time host of the event and recipient of the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award, Vonn understands the platform’s unique power. Her “chills-inducing” reminder highlights how moments of doubt, comeback, and influence on others often create legacies that outlast any trophy.
With co-hosts Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu guiding the proceedings, and the Academy’s peer-driven voting ensuring authenticity, this year’s ceremony provides the perfect backdrop for Vonn’s call to value the journey as much as the destination.
For the nominees walking the Glass Gallery at Cibeles Palace, Vonn’s message offers both encouragement and perspective: the true measure of a champion often lies in what happens off the scoreboard.
