Lindsey Vonn, born Lindsey Caroline Kildow on October 18, 1984, in St. Paul, Minnesota, is widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine ski racers in history. She began skiing at the age of two and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. At 14, she became the first American female to win the slalom at Italy’s Trofeo Topolino, a prestigious youth competition. Vonn made her Olympic debut at 17 during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games. Her breakthrough came in 2008 when she won her first of four overall World Cup titles (2008–2010, 2012). In 2010, she became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the downhill event at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Over her career, she amassed 82 World Cup victories, making her the most successful female skier until early 2023.