Rise: My Story

by Lindsey Vonn

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. Featuring sixteen pages of photos, 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.

Genres: Sports, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Leadership

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2022

Reviews

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lisa O · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Cory Margul · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[David Doty · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca Guido · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Debbi E · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🐐

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Chantal Côté · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Alan Kimball · Rating 5 out of 5]

A inspiring story of never giving up

[Beth Affleck · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lynn Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a new found respect for Lindsey and her determination, fearlessness and resilience.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Keith Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Alexis Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Hailey Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Zandria · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Deborah Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Tessa Wever · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 👍🏻

[Helene ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering how much I love skiing, it’s not at all surprising that I loved every page of this book.

I went from not knowing who Lindsey Vonn is to finding out she’d ski the Olympic downhill on a torn ACL to reading her book and trying to learn everything there is to know about her in about a week.

After reading this, I have so much respect and admiration for this woman. It was really inspiring.

[Hailey Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun to listen to after the Winter Olympics! It was interesting to listen to Lindsey talk about her retirement especially since she came back out of retirement and competed this year. Would love an “epilogue” or chapter of updates since this was published.

[Nicolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in anticipation of the upcoming Winter Olympics. The best way I can describe the book and the impression it gives of Lindsey is ✨intense✨. That said, you don’t become the best without that steadfast motivation. After reading this, I’m genuinely curious if Taylor Jenkins Reid read this while writing Carrie Soto is Back?! Same energy in the best, realest way.
I’m SO sad to see her get hurt right before the Olympics while I was reading this, but she’s resilient and I’m sure she’ll Rise again. What an icon!
“The promise of the mountain is everywhere” — 5/5

[Kristin Pletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this ! Thanks for the rec- suz.
LV is such a baddie. Loved hearing her story beginning from when she started to ski as a child. Reading about how she overcame obstacles and so many injuries, struggles with mental health and her self image were very real and it was a super refreshing book. Cheering for LV!

[Kara Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I raced through this book (har har!). But really, Lindsey Vonn is an incredible human. What a story. Not gonna lie, got a little emotional at the end there. I already was a huge Lindsey fan but reading about her life from her perspective was an amazing window into her resilience, dedication, passion, and humanness. She overcame insane obstacles - both physically and mentally.

Many aspects of her personality are so relatable - like her appreciation for a good ice cream, and love of dogs, of course. The important stuff. But I’m a corny way I especially relate to her need to “one up” herself (more so than beating others, tho she clearly loves that too haha) and real belief that if you work hard you can accomplish what you set out to do. A value that I live by - on a much much smaller less impressive scale heh. I appreciated the emphasis not on the technical skill and ski abilities, but on the mental and emotional toughness and importance of having the right mindset. Lindsey Vonn is really just an all around badass lady. And someone I want to be friends with, pls. Much respect!!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in just a few days. This is a little bit about skiing and a lot about overcoming obstacles. The memoir touched on her inner struggles with identity, skiing and the industry at-large. If you are looking for inside perspective on her celebrity relationships, don't expect it here. I didn't expect much but other than mentioning she changed in her high profile relationships and didn't like who she was becoming, she didn't say much of anything - and given relationships are such a critical part of one's life, it would have been nice to hear more. But, I admire and respect Vonn and her story. There's much in here you won't necessarily find elsewhere. Definitely worth reading - whether you ski or not.

[Jennifer Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely and inspiring read. I first met Lindsey ski racing at Buck Hill under the sage coaching of Erich Sailer. We grew up racing together as teammates, roommates at some of the camps she mentions, and great fiends. This book was a lovely memory lane stroll for me in many parts, and an inspiration in others. I’ll always so be so proud of her, of course her accomplishments, but always her integrity and grit. To me, she’ll always be the little Lindsey, playing in her snow fort under the start ramp in giants ridge, and the little Lindsey who loved to play with the cows and collect kinder eggs with me as roommates in Austria. I can’t wait to see how she conquers the world in the next chapter of her life. 💕

[Darius Murretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Lindsey,

Regarding your loneliness. There's an internal sport called self-realization> God realization where the player brings his/her mind to a stand still in the center of their head and realizes supreme bliss. It is challenging and needs alot of practice, self discipline and a good coach. It also needs a pure mind and abstinence from drugs and alcohol and a good coach who has won the "gold metal" his/herself and once you win this gold metal there is no loneliness ever gain. I think you'd do well at it if you a gave it the same dedication and determination and love you gave skiing.