Lindsey Vonn responds strongly to ‘Grandma’ Comments from Peers

Lindsey Vonn criticized Ilka Stuhec for ‘Grandma’ Comments on her return to sport. Vonn made a comeback to skiing in November 2024 at 40. The American skier initially announced her return from the sport in 2019, after suffering from recurring injuries.However, after a successful knee replacement surgery last April, she again lifted her gear to pursue her passion. Months after her return, she was also successful in securing second place in the Super-G race at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup finals in Idaho in March. This feat made her the oldest female Alpine skier to earn a podium victory at the World Cup. Although she has shown her potential as still being a tough competitor, she has frequently faced instances of backlash, including young skiers repeatedly asking for photographs and offering fawning comments. In an interview with Time.com, she reacted to these comments:“It was weird,” Vonn said. “They’re like, ‘I used to watch you when I was growing up. Can we please not say that anymore? If I hear that one more time...” Vonn also slammed Slovenia's Stuhec, who kept addressing the American skier as 'Grandma.'“She did it to get under my skin,” Vonn added. “Like, why are we doing this? I get it if it’s the 18-year-old calling me grandma. You’re 30-something. So let’s reel it back.”Vonn celebrated her 41st birthday on October 18, 2025, while taking pride in accepting her natural self. Lindsey Vonn opens up on her reason to make a comeback to skiingLindsey Vonn during the Team USA Media Summit in New York City. (Photo - Getty Images)In the interview mentioned earlier, Lindsey Vonn also reflected on the reason for her return to sport, stating she made a comeback because she loves skiing. She further made her feelings clear, highlighting that although she has faced multiple challenges, skiing is her passion and the only possible threat would be suffered by her and not anyone else. “I don’t need this," Vonn said. "I’m doing it because I love it. It’s fun and it’s a challenge. And I think it means a lot to a lot of people. It’s not like I lack fulfillment. I don’t lack purpose. I don’t lack joy. I have all the things that I need in my life. Even though I’ve been through a lot of sh*t, I’m lucky enough to do what I love one more time. The only danger this presents is to myself. I am not endangering anyone else in this process.”So far, Lindsey Vonn has accumulated 82 World Cup titles, eight World Championship medals, and three Olympic medals.