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Rise: My Story
The first ever memoir from the most decorated female skier of all time, revealing never-before-told stories of her life in the fast lane, her struggle with depression, and the bold decisions that helped her break down barriers on and off the slopes.
82 World Cup wins. 20 World Cup titles. 3 Olympic medals. 7 World Championship Medals. A fixture in the American sports landscape for almost twenty years, Lindsey Vonn is a legend. With a career that spanned a transformation in how America recognizes and celebrates female athletes, Vonn—who retired in 2019 as the most decorated American skier of all time—was in the vanguard of that change, helping blaze a trail for other world-class female athletes and reimagining what it meant to pursue speed at all costs. In Rise , Vonn shares her incredible journey for the first time, going behind the scenes of a badass life built around resilience and risk-taking. One of the most aggressive skiers ever, Vonn offers a fascinating glimpse into the relentless pursuit of her limits, a pursuit so focused on one-upping herself that she pushed her body past its breaking point as she achieved greatness. While this iconic grit and perseverance helped her battle a catalog of injuries, these injuries came with a cost—physical, of course, but also mental. Vonn opens up about her decades-long depression and struggles with self-confidence, discussing candidly how her mental health challenges influenced her career without defining her. Through it all, she dissects the moments that sidelined her and how, each time, she clawed her way back using an iconoclastic approach rooted in hard work—pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and speaking her mind, even when it got her into trouble. At once empowering and raw, Rise is an inspirational look at her hard-fought success as well as an honest appraisal of the sacrifices she made along the way—an emotional journey of winning that understands all too well that every victory comes with a price.
82 World Cup wins. 20 World Cup titles. 3 Olympic medals. 7 World Championship Medals. A fixture in the American sports landscape for almost twenty years, Lindsey Vonn is a legend. With a career that spanned a transformation in how America recognizes and celebrates female athletes, Vonn—who retired in 2019 as the most decorated American skier of all time—was in the vanguard of that change, helping blaze a trail for other world-class female athletes and reimagining what it meant to pursue speed at all costs. In Rise , Vonn shares her incredible journey for the first time, going behind the scenes of a badass life built around resilience and risk-taking. One of the most aggressive skiers ever, Vonn offers a fascinating glimpse into the relentless pursuit of her limits, a pursuit so focused on one-upping herself that she pushed her body past its breaking point as she achieved greatness. While this iconic grit and perseverance helped her battle a catalog of injuries, these injuries came with a cost—physical, of course, but also mental. Vonn opens up about her decades-long depression and struggles with self-confidence, discussing candidly how her mental health challenges influenced her career without defining her. Through it all, she dissects the moments that sidelined her and how, each time, she clawed her way back using an iconoclastic approach rooted in hard work—pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and speaking her mind, even when it got her into trouble. At once empowering and raw, Rise is an inspirational look at her hard-fought success as well as an honest appraisal of the sacrifices she made along the way—an emotional journey of winning that understands all too well that every victory comes with a price.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 11, 2022
197 people are currently reading
3323 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
December 20, 2022
Audiobook….read by Andi Arndt
…..10 hours and 10 minutes
Alpine skier,
American ‘Gold’ Olympian champion,
Lindsey Vonn won four Women’s World Cup overalls championships —
We learn about Lindsey’s successes, failures, fears, worries, training, competition, injuries, surgeries, rehab, the grueling hard work, race days, winning, crashes, travel, other setbacks, personality traits, family history, friendships, depression, mental health, political athleticism, and other challenges (including joy) in the life of a competitor skier.
“There are some things you just can’t make up”.
We get to know Lindsey as a woman too — and her connection to normalcy with the world beyond skiing. (we meet her dog, Lucy) … 🐾
Learning to love oneself ‘unconditionally’ (self-worth regardless of success or celebrity status), for a professional athlete — or any highly successful person, can be quite challenging. It makes sense to me.
Many life lessons are highlighted throughout—
….over coming multiple difficult situations…
….compassion …
….unbiased judgments…
….self ongoing learning
….virtues of ethics
….faith, family, health… etc.
I enjoyed spending time with Lindsey. No question - no shame in my choice audiobook….
She’s as genuine as can be….
and learning more about the professional career she lived was fully engaging.
….a few funny-bone tales to boot! (but the deeper life themes are what remain with me most).
This memoir - (perhaps not a choice-pick for many readers), but I use to ski. Downhill skiing ended for me in college after a spiral tibia fracture and a shattered ankle, leaving me with a bionic foot today—
Lindsey’s spiral fracture of her humerus bone-the instant screaming - driving in a car over every bump on the way to the hospital—excruciating pain —
reminded me of my own break. I had reoccurring dreams for years flip-flying landing on my back - (3 large plaster leg casts over a seven month period… before rehabilitation started) …
but even if I hadn’t had my own ski experiences,
I would have connected with this audiobook.
The combination of mental - emotional- physical- and spiritual harmony were all there! ⛷️ …. Excellent eye-opening - thought- provoking life lessons… and thoughts about love.
It even inspired me - that maybe I ‘can’ bounce back from my own damaged spin.
“Being injured is humbling”…. Ha…. Isn’t that the truth!!!
By the time I finished this book — I became clear of my own rating truth: (flaws and all)…. 5 stars!!
A big thank you to Skip. I knew instantly I wanted to listen to this story after he inspired me with his review!!!
…..10 hours and 10 minutes
Alpine skier,
American ‘Gold’ Olympian champion,
Lindsey Vonn won four Women’s World Cup overalls championships —
We learn about Lindsey’s successes, failures, fears, worries, training, competition, injuries, surgeries, rehab, the grueling hard work, race days, winning, crashes, travel, other setbacks, personality traits, family history, friendships, depression, mental health, political athleticism, and other challenges (including joy) in the life of a competitor skier.
“There are some things you just can’t make up”.
We get to know Lindsey as a woman too — and her connection to normalcy with the world beyond skiing. (we meet her dog, Lucy) … 🐾
Learning to love oneself ‘unconditionally’ (self-worth regardless of success or celebrity status), for a professional athlete — or any highly successful person, can be quite challenging. It makes sense to me.
Many life lessons are highlighted throughout—
….over coming multiple difficult situations…
….compassion …
….unbiased judgments…
….self ongoing learning
….virtues of ethics
….faith, family, health… etc.
I enjoyed spending time with Lindsey. No question - no shame in my choice audiobook….
She’s as genuine as can be….
and learning more about the professional career she lived was fully engaging.
….a few funny-bone tales to boot! (but the deeper life themes are what remain with me most).
This memoir - (perhaps not a choice-pick for many readers), but I use to ski. Downhill skiing ended for me in college after a spiral tibia fracture and a shattered ankle, leaving me with a bionic foot today—
Lindsey’s spiral fracture of her humerus bone-the instant screaming - driving in a car over every bump on the way to the hospital—excruciating pain —
reminded me of my own break. I had reoccurring dreams for years flip-flying landing on my back - (3 large plaster leg casts over a seven month period… before rehabilitation started) …
but even if I hadn’t had my own ski experiences,
I would have connected with this audiobook.
The combination of mental - emotional- physical- and spiritual harmony were all there! ⛷️ …. Excellent eye-opening - thought- provoking life lessons… and thoughts about love.
It even inspired me - that maybe I ‘can’ bounce back from my own damaged spin.
“Being injured is humbling”…. Ha…. Isn’t that the truth!!!
By the time I finished this book — I became clear of my own rating truth: (flaws and all)…. 5 stars!!
A big thank you to Skip. I knew instantly I wanted to listen to this story after he inspired me with his review!!!
February 26, 2022
Let me state upfront that I love skiing, which is why I read Rise. Yet, I was surprised by how much I liked Lindsey Vonn's autobiography for its depth and honesty. My knowledge of her was limited to her Olympic gold medal and her dalliance with Tiger Woods. She is a phenom -- by far, the most successful U.S. skier ever (female or male), and second in World Cup wins only to Swedish legend, Ingemar Stenmark.
Lindsey grew up learning to ski on a tiny hill in Minnesota and announced her ambition to be an Olympic skier at the tender age of nine. She initially benefitted from her Austrian instructor running a famous summer ski camp at Mt. Hood, but had to uproot her family to train properly. Through grit, determination and hard work, she made the U.S. Ski Team in time to compete in the 2002 Winter Games (combined downhill and slalom), but did not win her Gold medal until the 2010 Winter Games.
The life of a professional athlete is grueling, and took its toll on Lindsey, who never felt comfortable with her teammates, driven by her inner passion and fueled by any criticism. In her book, she discusses her many battles (loneliness, her own and her parent's divorce, depression, injuries) and her many triumphs openly, including the double standards that exist for male and female athletes, where bad behavior is okay for only one gender. She speaks about her decision to wear make-up for herself, and about gaining sponsors. And rest assured, ski racing is dangerous. Lindsey speaks about how grateful she was for a visit from her role model, Picabo Street (and her trainer) when recovering from her first major accident. Besides her incredible work ethic, Lindsey was never afraid to push limits on the mountain, leaning unconventionally, training with men or even using men's skis. She was iconic, and recovered from torn ACLs, meniscus, MCLs, with the help of her support team and family, whom she recognizes and thanks profusely. Quitting was a hard decision, but one she made for herself, and then she had to find out how to become happy again.
Lindsey grew up learning to ski on a tiny hill in Minnesota and announced her ambition to be an Olympic skier at the tender age of nine. She initially benefitted from her Austrian instructor running a famous summer ski camp at Mt. Hood, but had to uproot her family to train properly. Through grit, determination and hard work, she made the U.S. Ski Team in time to compete in the 2002 Winter Games (combined downhill and slalom), but did not win her Gold medal until the 2010 Winter Games.
The life of a professional athlete is grueling, and took its toll on Lindsey, who never felt comfortable with her teammates, driven by her inner passion and fueled by any criticism. In her book, she discusses her many battles (loneliness, her own and her parent's divorce, depression, injuries) and her many triumphs openly, including the double standards that exist for male and female athletes, where bad behavior is okay for only one gender. She speaks about her decision to wear make-up for herself, and about gaining sponsors. And rest assured, ski racing is dangerous. Lindsey speaks about how grateful she was for a visit from her role model, Picabo Street (and her trainer) when recovering from her first major accident. Besides her incredible work ethic, Lindsey was never afraid to push limits on the mountain, leaning unconventionally, training with men or even using men's skis. She was iconic, and recovered from torn ACLs, meniscus, MCLs, with the help of her support team and family, whom she recognizes and thanks profusely. Quitting was a hard decision, but one she made for herself, and then she had to find out how to become happy again.
February 2, 2022
If you love skiing and are training for something big, this is a great book for you.
But if you're looking for juicy gossip, name-dropping and boyfriend drama, this is not for you. Lindsey writes more about her pet dogs than she does her past love interests.
This is very much about her sports journey from the time she was 9 until right past retirement. She talks a lot about her "why" and the tenacity it takes to be a world champion.
It's crazy how much it takes mentally, physically and emotionally to be a winner on and off the mountain.
But if you're looking for juicy gossip, name-dropping and boyfriend drama, this is not for you. Lindsey writes more about her pet dogs than she does her past love interests.
This is very much about her sports journey from the time she was 9 until right past retirement. She talks a lot about her "why" and the tenacity it takes to be a world champion.
It's crazy how much it takes mentally, physically and emotionally to be a winner on and off the mountain.
October 9, 2022
I love the Olympics. Once that Olympic flame is lit, I spend my evenings cheering on the skiers, skaters, swimmers, divers…and lots of other athletes from sports I admittedly don't pay much attention to in the intervening four years. I look forward to watching the greatest athletes in the world gather together and fight for their moment of glory after years of intense training and sacrifice.
Lindsey Vonn is one of those athletes that made me excited for the Olympics. It was thrilling to watch her race and to share in the emotions of her triumphs and failures. I couldn't help but admire her intensity and skill and the resiliency she showed in fighting back from injuries. After reading her memoir, I now know what it took for her to get to this level and that she is absolutely deserving of my admiration.
When Lindsey was nine years old, she decided she wanted to ski in the 2002 Olympics, so she and her dad put together an eight-year plan that she executed with intensity and purpose over the next several years. I consider myself to be a driven, goal-oriented person, but Lindsey puts me (and probably almost everyone else) to shame in this department! This intense focus has brought her gold medals, sponsorships and fame, but Lindsey also shares the darker sides of devoting everything to such a lofty goal. She made numerous personal sacrifices that challenged her relationships and strained her mental health. But what really stuck with me was her acknowledgement that she didn’t do this on her own. It took the commitment of her whole family for her to be the best, and her family members in turn endured all of the same personal sacrifices in pursuit of her goal.
This book is very much written in Lindsey's voice. It's no literary masterpiece, but I felt like I was getting the unfiltered truth of what it's like to be Lindsey Vonn (and I can definitely say I don't have what it takes!). She is not someone who lacks confidence…I would expect nothing less from someone who is one of the best at what they do. But with this confidence comes strong opinions and maybe some lack of self-awareness that creeps up throughout the book. Her personality may not be for everyone, but she absolutely deserves respect for her accomplishments and the grit and passion she has shown throughout her career.
This was an enlightening and inspiring read, and I'm glad Lindsey shared her story. She keeps the book focused on the training and the sport (you won't find any of her boyfriend drama in here), so I recommend this one if you're curious about what it takes to be an elite athlete.
Lindsey Vonn is one of those athletes that made me excited for the Olympics. It was thrilling to watch her race and to share in the emotions of her triumphs and failures. I couldn't help but admire her intensity and skill and the resiliency she showed in fighting back from injuries. After reading her memoir, I now know what it took for her to get to this level and that she is absolutely deserving of my admiration.
When Lindsey was nine years old, she decided she wanted to ski in the 2002 Olympics, so she and her dad put together an eight-year plan that she executed with intensity and purpose over the next several years. I consider myself to be a driven, goal-oriented person, but Lindsey puts me (and probably almost everyone else) to shame in this department! This intense focus has brought her gold medals, sponsorships and fame, but Lindsey also shares the darker sides of devoting everything to such a lofty goal. She made numerous personal sacrifices that challenged her relationships and strained her mental health. But what really stuck with me was her acknowledgement that she didn’t do this on her own. It took the commitment of her whole family for her to be the best, and her family members in turn endured all of the same personal sacrifices in pursuit of her goal.
This book is very much written in Lindsey's voice. It's no literary masterpiece, but I felt like I was getting the unfiltered truth of what it's like to be Lindsey Vonn (and I can definitely say I don't have what it takes!). She is not someone who lacks confidence…I would expect nothing less from someone who is one of the best at what they do. But with this confidence comes strong opinions and maybe some lack of self-awareness that creeps up throughout the book. Her personality may not be for everyone, but she absolutely deserves respect for her accomplishments and the grit and passion she has shown throughout her career.
This was an enlightening and inspiring read, and I'm glad Lindsey shared her story. She keeps the book focused on the training and the sport (you won't find any of her boyfriend drama in here), so I recommend this one if you're curious about what it takes to be an elite athlete.
February 23, 2022
Really struggled with my perception of her while listening. I realize that she’s the best at what she has done, but I felt like her presentation was so….I don’t know….bragadocious? I could not get past it. I much prefer listening to her via other avenues.
June 1, 2022
I enjoyed some parts of this book. However I felt that this book was very repetitive in its messages. I also felt she was not very forthcoming about parts of her life. Of course, that is always an author’s prerogative but if an author writes a memoir, their readers expect them to give details to help the reader understand their difficulties.
I did appreciate that Lindsey detailed her battles with depression and also talked about what helped her deal with it.
Overall I enjoyed hearing about her fearless attitude toward danger, and her struggles with confidence, while being disappointed in lack of details about some parts of her life.
I did appreciate that Lindsey detailed her battles with depression and also talked about what helped her deal with it.
Overall I enjoyed hearing about her fearless attitude toward danger, and her struggles with confidence, while being disappointed in lack of details about some parts of her life.
January 28, 2022
So Good, I Will Read It Again!
On a personal level, this was the perfect book at the perfect time for me to read, for the journey I’m going through in my life. All her honesty about her fights back from injuries are really motivating & I definitely benefited from her honesty. I think she covered all the stages of her life in a way, that made it relatable to others & their journeys through the different seasons & stages of life, no matter what path one is on! Lindsey & her life are inspirational & motivational. Great Book!
On a personal level, this was the perfect book at the perfect time for me to read, for the journey I’m going through in my life. All her honesty about her fights back from injuries are really motivating & I definitely benefited from her honesty. I think she covered all the stages of her life in a way, that made it relatable to others & their journeys through the different seasons & stages of life, no matter what path one is on! Lindsey & her life are inspirational & motivational. Great Book!
March 9, 2022
I have admired Lindsey Vonn for a long time--as an athlete, an Olympian, and a woman. She has always struck me as someone who is a great example of persistence, commitment, hard work, and living life on your own terms.
Therefore, I really enjoyed the new memoir, which shed a lot of light on what the public often didn't see--including her struggles with depression, perfectionism, injuries, and relationships. Her candor on mental health and the importance of self-care, especially for high achievers and people who have to live in the public eye, is both important and relatable.
Life is not easy when you excel in a high profile occupation, and Lindsey tells it like it is. In the midst of great accomplishment and public acclaim often comes serious emotional pain, loneliness, and long, tough periods to recover both one's physical strength and emotional equilibrium.
As an added benefit, this is a fascinating look into the world of pro ski racing, which in and of itself is worth the read. Whether or not you ski, you'll come away with new admiration for the courage and commitment of the tremendous athletes who become elite performers in this sport.
Therefore, I really enjoyed the new memoir, which shed a lot of light on what the public often didn't see--including her struggles with depression, perfectionism, injuries, and relationships. Her candor on mental health and the importance of self-care, especially for high achievers and people who have to live in the public eye, is both important and relatable.
Life is not easy when you excel in a high profile occupation, and Lindsey tells it like it is. In the midst of great accomplishment and public acclaim often comes serious emotional pain, loneliness, and long, tough periods to recover both one's physical strength and emotional equilibrium.
As an added benefit, this is a fascinating look into the world of pro ski racing, which in and of itself is worth the read. Whether or not you ski, you'll come away with new admiration for the courage and commitment of the tremendous athletes who become elite performers in this sport.
January 25, 2022
I didn’t know if I would enjoy this book. I saw an interview with Lindsey Vonn as the interviewer recounted all of her ski related injuries and I was shocked and saddened . I couldn’t understand why she would continue to ski race when everything in my head would say - don’t ever do it again !
This sport scares the hell out of me . I watch my daughter racing down the mountain and I literally have to hold my breath .
This book was brutally honest . Lindsey allowed you to get into her head and see what motivated and inspired her.
Her stories made me laugh and cry . I gave this book 5 stars . This is not the book for you if you don’t have an interest in ski racing . She doesn’t dish on her personal life or romances . The book is really a love letter to ski racing and what it meant to her .
A big thumbs up to the goat 🐐
This sport scares the hell out of me . I watch my daughter racing down the mountain and I literally have to hold my breath .
This book was brutally honest . Lindsey allowed you to get into her head and see what motivated and inspired her.
Her stories made me laugh and cry . I gave this book 5 stars . This is not the book for you if you don’t have an interest in ski racing . She doesn’t dish on her personal life or romances . The book is really a love letter to ski racing and what it meant to her .
A big thumbs up to the goat 🐐
March 3, 2022
I loved the narrator! Andi has been a favorite for YEARS!!
She kept me listening for sure. Although I do love when people can read their own books - I was disappointed that Lindsey didn’t.
I’ve lived in Minnesota since 2000’s… Lindsey is completely loved around here. While she did speak of the mental illness part …I don’t know I guess I was hoping less ski and more just her and relationships and such. I guess Lindsey is ski - so there is that.
It was a good book, talked about over-coming injuries along the way. Discussed her breaking out of “that’s the way women have always done it” mold.
Great job Lindsey!
She kept me listening for sure. Although I do love when people can read their own books - I was disappointed that Lindsey didn’t.
I’ve lived in Minnesota since 2000’s… Lindsey is completely loved around here. While she did speak of the mental illness part …I don’t know I guess I was hoping less ski and more just her and relationships and such. I guess Lindsey is ski - so there is that.
It was a good book, talked about over-coming injuries along the way. Discussed her breaking out of “that’s the way women have always done it” mold.
Great job Lindsey!
February 7, 2022
A inspiring story of never giving up
February 28, 2022
Even if you know nothing about ski racing this is a good book and well written. Lindsey did a great job bringing the reader into her life of hard work, struggles and success.
January 22, 2024
It’s a good one, y’all! My love for sports memoirs runs deep. Lindsey Vonn’s story of success on the mountain encompasses the grit and the resilience of a world renowned athlete. I loved learning about her story, and I was truly shocked to learn how many times she raced with something broken or torn. She’s incredible!
October 8, 2024
Veoma inspirativna i motivirajuća priča. Ovo mi je bila prva autobiografija koju sam pročitala i jako mi se svidjela.
Predlažem za čitanje!
Predlažem za čitanje!
December 2, 2023
Took me awhile to read this but it was a lot better than I expected. It’s all about Linsey’s career, starting when she was 9. I really liked it 👍🏻
April 4, 2022
It was really hard to rate this book! On one hand, the absolute thrill of watching Lindsey Vonn ski time and time again, giving it everything any human could do, would be difficult to make come alive on the pages of a book, and this wasn’t really that book for me. What I loved about this book was more unexpected and personal. I’m a huge fan, and have watched her races many times, including in person for her Gold medal win at the Vancouver Olympics. I’ve been in awe of her for such a long time. I don’t know Lindsey, but I believe this book to be in her own voice, and honesty. Her methodical, at times, and emotional, at times, recounting of the injuries and come backs and who helped or didn’t, was raw and fascinating.
She has tremendous incites of being a female athlete, and she illustrates the many times male athletes were treated differently, or with less scrutiny than female athletes.
My favorite part of the book was when she’s defied the odds so many times, including winning a race after vials of blood were pulled from her knee (!), the doctors basically said “well, do you think you can ski?” Leaving it up to her judgment.
I loved getting to know Lindsey through this book. But I also miss watching her race.
Side note: I recommended this book to a friend who has been going through some major surgeries. It may be relatable for others who are going through this because she talks a lot about the mental toll of setbacks and recovery.
Personal note: I read this book as part of a personal sports trilogy. Book 1 of 3.
She has tremendous incites of being a female athlete, and she illustrates the many times male athletes were treated differently, or with less scrutiny than female athletes.
My favorite part of the book was when she’s defied the odds so many times, including winning a race after vials of blood were pulled from her knee (!), the doctors basically said “well, do you think you can ski?” Leaving it up to her judgment.
I loved getting to know Lindsey through this book. But I also miss watching her race.
Side note: I recommended this book to a friend who has been going through some major surgeries. It may be relatable for others who are going through this because she talks a lot about the mental toll of setbacks and recovery.
Personal note: I read this book as part of a personal sports trilogy. Book 1 of 3.
January 16, 2022
It took me a long time to really become a Lindsey Vonn fan. I was always team Mancuso.
The book did shed some light on her personality, work ethic, drive and insecurities. However, I found the book repetitive and not revealing. Not in a gossip sense but I read a lot of memoirs and it is easy to spot when important things that would help a reader understand the author are not told.
I am grateful she was open about her depression but I would not read this book for any help on the topic. There is a lot of " just do it" but nothing really revealing.
I was disappointed in general. I know that eventually Julia Mancuso and Lindsey let go of an awkward rift they had and there was some insight in the book about how that was viewed in Lindsey's perspective. I wish the honest feelings kept going but they don't.
The book did shed some light on her personality, work ethic, drive and insecurities. However, I found the book repetitive and not revealing. Not in a gossip sense but I read a lot of memoirs and it is easy to spot when important things that would help a reader understand the author are not told.
I am grateful she was open about her depression but I would not read this book for any help on the topic. There is a lot of " just do it" but nothing really revealing.
I was disappointed in general. I know that eventually Julia Mancuso and Lindsey let go of an awkward rift they had and there was some insight in the book about how that was viewed in Lindsey's perspective. I wish the honest feelings kept going but they don't.
June 1, 2022
Would be a good book for any skier that competes in downhill skiing. The greatest woman skier gives her strategy of how she prepared for competition before a race. Lindsay tells how she overcame her injuries with help with her support people. She tells of her highs and lows along with her dealing of depression. Found it interesting that she used mens skis to increase her speed in her final years. Fun read!
July 17, 2022
I love sports biographies! I did not know much about professional skiing but knew Vonn had been involved romantically with Tiger Woods and P.K. Subban. Well, she doesn’t go there, at all. Their names are not even mentioned. You will find out about the beginning of her career, her wins, loses and she overcame injuries but you will not know much about her personal life. I guess she was not ready to open up!
February 8, 2022
I could relate a lot to Lindsey’s personality and how she feels no fear and goes headfirst after her goals, and I could also relate to how her body kept getting injured and breaking down.
March 8, 2022
It seemed like a majority of this book was about her injuries. I know they happened and it was unfortunate, but it was repetitive to read about.
July 6, 2022
Olympians are so amazing on so many levels! All the injuries Lindsey fought back from is insane! I can’t even imagine going down an icy mountains at 80+ mph.
July 31, 2022
I have a new found respect for Lindsey and her determination, fearlessness and resilience.
September 26, 2024
BOOK REVIEW ⛷️
"Rise"
by Lindsey Vonn
(Continuing with the Olympic memoirs... because they are so inspiring and motivating!! This is #5 😆)
If you are looking for a book that will motivate you to push through something hard, to keep grinding despite the doubters (whether external or internal) and inspire you to follow your passions, then this is your book.
On the ski hill, downhill ski racer Lindsey Vonn has never experienced a shortage of confidence. You have to be confident to fly down an icy hill at dangerous speeds wearing just a neoprene ski suit. (Lindsey often equates her multiple ski crashes to driving on the interstate at 80mph, opening the door and just jumping....😱) Over the years, she was often called cocky... though if she were a man, she'd just be considered competitive.
This book mainly focuses on her internal drive to ski. Yes, she talks a bit about her childhood, and through her writing, you get a little taste of the professional ski racer/elite athlete world, but truly, it's mainly about how her mental fortitude got her through, and sometimes hindered, her career.
She openly shares how, for as legitimately confident as she was on the hill, she was equally not confident in who she was as a person. The two sides eventually met in the form of depression. Lindsey was one of the first elite athletes to talk about depression in the media long before it was common place, and some criticized her for it.....though that negative energy just fueled her to keep winning. She talks about the determination she had to have to achieve her dreams - a spot on the National Team, World Cup titles, Olympic medals. Her singular focus in coming back from horrific crashes and countless surgeries is beyond inspiring. (i.e., next time I have an injury or setback, I'm going to revisit this book for inspiration).
Also, it's a VERY empowering read for women! We can be just as strong, just as talented, and work just as hard as men. (She famously was the first woman to ski on men's skis. At the time, critics said that she wouldn't be able to handle them....she ended up winning twice as many races with them! 💪🏻)
"Rise"
by Lindsey Vonn
(Continuing with the Olympic memoirs... because they are so inspiring and motivating!! This is #5 😆)
If you are looking for a book that will motivate you to push through something hard, to keep grinding despite the doubters (whether external or internal) and inspire you to follow your passions, then this is your book.
On the ski hill, downhill ski racer Lindsey Vonn has never experienced a shortage of confidence. You have to be confident to fly down an icy hill at dangerous speeds wearing just a neoprene ski suit. (Lindsey often equates her multiple ski crashes to driving on the interstate at 80mph, opening the door and just jumping....😱) Over the years, she was often called cocky... though if she were a man, she'd just be considered competitive.
This book mainly focuses on her internal drive to ski. Yes, she talks a bit about her childhood, and through her writing, you get a little taste of the professional ski racer/elite athlete world, but truly, it's mainly about how her mental fortitude got her through, and sometimes hindered, her career.
She openly shares how, for as legitimately confident as she was on the hill, she was equally not confident in who she was as a person. The two sides eventually met in the form of depression. Lindsey was one of the first elite athletes to talk about depression in the media long before it was common place, and some criticized her for it.....though that negative energy just fueled her to keep winning. She talks about the determination she had to have to achieve her dreams - a spot on the National Team, World Cup titles, Olympic medals. Her singular focus in coming back from horrific crashes and countless surgeries is beyond inspiring. (i.e., next time I have an injury or setback, I'm going to revisit this book for inspiration).
Also, it's a VERY empowering read for women! We can be just as strong, just as talented, and work just as hard as men. (She famously was the first woman to ski on men's skis. At the time, critics said that she wouldn't be able to handle them....she ended up winning twice as many races with them! 💪🏻)
December 8, 2024
I enjoyed this memory by one of the great ski racers of all time Lindsey Vonn. I always enjoy reading the thoughts of champions and seeing how they not only made it to the level of competition they did, but also excelled to be better than everyone else at that elite level. Vonn talks at length about her experiences and overcoming challenges and injuries. I wish there was a bit more about her personal relationships in this memoir - nothing salacious but I felt like it was an important piece to her story that was just missing. For example, she references at one point that she and her father hadn't been speaking for a couple of years, but doesn't even hint at the cause. Again, I don't need the gossipy details, but it feels like one of the most important relationships in her life should have played a larger role in her story.
July 21, 2025
DNF about 1/3 of the way through. I just wasn’t into the story or subject matter. I respect her as a person & found parts of this interesting & think she has unique perspectives to offer, but it just didn’t hold my attention.
February 14, 2023
Bit repetitive but loved the story and overcoming hard times
March 31, 2024
The hard life of a professional athlete (lucky enough to make her fortune). I'm grateful to not be a pro; it sounds awful.
May 31, 2024
I’m not a skier or even athletic but this book was amazing. I appreciate how vulnerable Lindsey was and appreciate her talent even more than before. She’s earned every title and deserves it all!
January 15, 2025
To me this is a five star read because Lindsey shared honestly and authentically not just her story as an incredibly driven and resilient athlete but also her story as a person who battles depression. With her recent come back I wanted to know more about her and I’m glad I read her story. I will be cheering for her!
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