Ski Legend Faces Online Abuse
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has once again found herself confronting the dark side of fame. The 41-year-old, who boasts an impressive 2.6 million followers on Instagram, shared a disturbing message she recently received from a social media user.
The hateful post labeled her “absolutely disgusting” and went as far as wishing for her injury, saying, “I’m happy when you’re injured and hope you miss the Olympics, you disgusting American. Ski into a tree.”
Vonn’s Response to the Hate
Rather than ignoring the message, Vonn chose to expose it, sharing a screenshot in her Instagram story along with a pointed caption: “The dark side of social media.
Thank you for wishing me dead.” Her decision to speak out highlights the relentless harassment that public figures often face online, even when their achievements and influence inspire millions.
A Longtime Advocate Against Online Hate
This is not the first time the 82-time World Cup winner has addressed negativity and hate speech on social media. Vonn has previously spoken against cyberbullying and body shaming, urging for greater awareness about the emotional toll that hateful comments can have.
Her openness continues to shed light on the toxic culture that can thrive on digital platforms.
Focus Turns to Upcoming Season
Despite the negativity, Vonn remains focused on her professional pursuits. Her competitive season is set to begin from December 12 to 14 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where two downhill races and a super-G event will be held in Graubünden.
Looking ahead, the highlight of her calendar will be the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy — a stage where she hopes to once again showcase the strength, skill, and resilience that have defined her illustrious career.