Lindsey Vonn’s 10th Annual Foundation Gala was more than just a celebration. It was a bold statement about what’s possible when resources meet purpose
With a decade of impact behind her and big plans ahead, Vonn proves that even after stepping off the Olympic podium, a champion’s work is never done.
Sports, at its core, is about the human spirit. The joy of victory, the sting of defeat, and the drive to rise again.
Jannik Sinner’s Roland Garros journey was a reminder of all three.
Lindsey Vonn’s message was simple but profound: “It will pay off soon.” And if history is any guide—hers and his—it almost certainly will.
Also Read: Lindsey Vonn Shares Painful News About Dog Leo’s Diagnosis and Treatment
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Lindsey Vonn Sends a Message of Strength to Jannik Sinner
In the aftermath of a heart-wrenching five-set battle at Roland Garros, Italian tennis prodigy Jannik Sinner found support from an unlikely but powerful ally—American alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn.1
The show of solidarity between two elite athletes, each with a history of dominating their respective sports, highlights the emotional toll of elite competition and the resilience required to bounce back from near-misses at the highest level.
The 2024 season has been nothing short of phenomenal for 23-year-old Jannik Sinner. In a sport long dominated by names like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, Sinner emerged as the new face of men’s tennis.
His consistency, baseline precision, and mental toughness propelled him to become the first Italian ever to reach the World No. 1 ranking in men’s singles.
His title wins at the ATP Finals and Davis Cup were key milestones. Italy’s victory in the Davis Cup, especially, was historic, and Sinner played a vital role in their championship run. With these accomplishments, expectations were sky-high heading into Roland Garros 2024.
Who was the biggest winner this weekend? The FANS of tennis! Witnessing the next gen of champions and the level of tennis they bring is inspiring! @rolandgarros
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) June 9, 2025
A Final for the Ages: Sinner vs. Alcaraz
- The Roland Garros final between Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz was not just a tennis match—it was an epic.
- A battle that spanned five grueling sets and over four hours, the match tested the physical endurance and mental fortitude of both players.
- Alcaraz ultimately prevailed with a 6-4, 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-7(3), 6-7(2) win, successfully defending his title and reaffirming his position as one of the sport’s most dynamic young stars.
- Despite the loss, Sinner showcased his growth as a player, rallying from two sets down to nearly snatch victory.
- It was his first final at Roland Garros, and he came within points of capturing the trophy.
- In the hours following the final, Sinner took to social media to express his emotions. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), he opened up about the pain of defeat, calling it a “tough pill to swallow.”
- His words reflected both humility and quiet determination, offering fans a glimpse into the mind of a top-tier athlete grappling with disappointment.
- As he shared his heartbreak, fans and athletes from around the world responded with admiration, encouragement, and support.
Lindsey Vonn Steps In With Encouragement
Among the many who responded to Sinner’s message was Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated female alpine ski racers in history.2
Known for her fearless skiing and remarkable comeback stories, Vonn knows the price of greatness—and the pain of setbacks.
Quoting Sinner’s post, Vonn replied:
“But it will pay off soon!!!”
The simplicity of her words belied their weight. Coming from someone who has battled through severe injuries, mental hurdles, and fierce competition, her message resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes alike.
An Athlete’s Perspective: Why Vonn’s Words Matter
Lindsey Vonn’s support carries more than just celebrity weight—it’s grounded in lived experience.
Over her career, Vonn claimed 82 World Cup victories and an Olympic gold medal, but also endured multiple surgeries and seasons lost to injury.
Her comment to Sinner was not just motivational fluff. It echoed the universal truth of elite sport: pain is part of the journey, and perseverance often leads to redemption.
Vonn, having lived through both soaring victories and crushing defeats, offered Sinner a veteran’s perspective—one that understands how close losses can fuel future triumphs.
Lindsey Vonn: Mental Health in the Spotlight
Shortly after Vonn’s response went viral, another sports legend entered the broader conversation—Michael Phelps.3
The most decorated Olympian in history has been an outspoken advocate for mental health, particularly among athletes.
Phelps, who revealed his struggles with depression and anxiety, recently spoke about expanding his foundation’s focus to include mental wellness.
“I saw there were so many people struggling the same way I was,” Phelps said, underscoring the emotional challenges elite athletes often face.
In this context, Sinner’s openness on social media, and the outpouring of support he received—including from Vonn—reflects a growing cultural shift in sports: recognizing emotional vulnerability as strength, not weakness.
Alcaraz vs. Sinner: A New Rivalry for the Ages
The Roland Garros final may be remembered not just for its quality but for what it represents: the dawning of a new era in men’s tennis.
As Djokovic and Nadal inch toward the twilight of their careers, the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry promises to become a marquee fixture on the ATP Tour.
Both men are under 25. Both are Grand Slam champions. And both play the game with athleticism and grit reminiscent of the Big Three—yet with a youthful flair that is entirely their own. This rivalry could span a decade, with each match potentially redefining the power structure in tennis.
Italy’s Brightest Star: Sinner’s Growing Legacy
While Sinner did not win the French Open, his run to the final and the way he fought until the last point only cemented his place in tennis history.
He’s already a national icon in Italy, but his humility and work ethic have made him beloved globally.
Becoming World No. 1 was once unthinkable for an Italian man in singles. Sinner shattered that barrier—and he’s only just getting started.
His Roland Garros heartbreak will likely become a footnote in a career filled with Grand Slam glory in the years to come.
With Wimbledon and the US Open looming, Sinner won’t have long to dwell on his Roland Garros loss. Grass courts will bring a different challenge, but his confidence and skill set translate well across all surfaces.
More importantly, he now carries with him not just the lessons from Paris, but also the public support of athletic greats like Lindsey Vonn. That kind of backing can be a powerful mental edge heading into future battles.
Also Read: Lindsey Vonn Hits Back: Sharp Response to Sonja Nef’s Critique on Her Comeback
Lindsey Vonn Lights Up the Night
A Decade of Giving Back
American alpine ski legend Lindsey Vonn recently shared highlights from her annual gala held in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the Lindsey Vonn Foundation (LVF).
The milestone event wasn’t just a party — it was a heartfelt reflection on a decade of empowering girls from underserved communities.
Vonn, known for her record-breaking skiing career, continues to champion causes beyond sports, focusing her post-retirement years on making a lasting difference in young lives.
“A Decade of Disco”: Gala with a Purpose
This year’s gala was particularly festive, adopting a nostalgic disco theme titled “A Decade of Disco.”
Vonn, dazzling in sparkles and sequins, took to Instagram to share cherished moments from the event, writing:
“Some of my favorite memories from my Foundation Gala over the years 💛 @lindseyvonnfoundation… Every year the Foundation comes together to celebrate what has happened in the past year and raises funds to help continue to empower girls from underserved communities chase their dreams….”
From glittering dance floors to touching testimonials, the night celebrated not just fashion and fun, but also resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of support.
Empowering Girls One Dream at a Time
Since its inception in 2015, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation has worked tirelessly to uplift girls through programs centered around education, sports, and personal development.
The foundation’s mission has always been clear: to provide tools, mentorship, and scholarships to young women who may otherwise lack access to such resources.
Whether it’s through scholarships to attend summer camps, access to sporting equipment, or leadership workshops, LVF aims to bridge opportunity gaps. Many beneficiaries of the program have gone on to excel in various fields — from science and business to the arts and athletics.
Testimonials that Speak Volumes
Throughout the evening, former LVF scholarship recipients and program participants shared their stories.
One young woman, who first joined an LVF leadership retreat five years ago, spoke about how the experience gave her the confidence to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering.
Another honoree credited the foundation for helping her discover her passion for painting, eventually leading her to enroll in art school.
These stories aren’t just heartwarming anecdotes — they’re proof that the foundation is creating tangible change.
Lindsey Vonn’s Dual Life: Athlete and Advocate
Though Vonn officially retired from professional skiing in 2019, she remains fiercely active — both in sports and philanthropy.
At 40, she continues to train and stay involved in the skiing community. Recently, she concluded a spring training camp at the Schwemmalm Ski Area in Italy, showcasing that her passion for the slopes hasn’t faded.
Rumors have even begun swirling about a potential comeback at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, though Vonn has yet to confirm anything officially. Still, fans are buzzing at the thought of her chasing another podium finish.
A Decade of Milestones
Over the past ten years, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation has achieved several milestones:
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Over 10,000 girls reached through various programs.
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Hundreds of scholarships granted for summer camps, leadership conferences, and mentorship programs.
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A growing network of female mentors and professionals who volunteer time to guide the next generation.
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Strategic partnerships with schools, sports clubs, and nonprofits to expand reach and impact.
These achievements were celebrated in a highlight reel played during the gala, drawing both tears and applause from the audience.
Lindsey Vonn: Workout
Lindsey Vonn often shares her intense workout videos about the progress she is making and the summer of preparation.
View this post on Instagram
More Than a Champion
While Lindsey Vonn’s athletic accolades are legendary — including 82 World Cup wins and an Olympic gold medal — her work off the slopes continues to define her legacy.
Her transition from world-class athlete to philanthropic powerhouse has been nothing short of inspiring.
Vonn embodies the idea that true greatness isn’t just measured in medals but in how you lift others along the way. And through her foundation, she’s ensuring that many young girls get the chance to chase their dreams just like she did.
Social Media Buzz and Public Reception
Following the gala, Vonn’s Instagram post garnered tens of thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, many from girls who’ve benefited from the foundation and supporters praising her commitment.
Social media was abuzz with clips from the gala, especially the moment when Vonn danced under a giant disco ball with a group of scholarship recipients — a powerful symbol of joy, success, and shared purpose.
Also Read: Lindsey Vonn’s Touching Tribute After Induction into Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame
