More than sporting excellence and closets stuffed full of medals, skiing legends Lindsey Vonn and Eileen Gu have something in common: perseverance in the face of failure. While Gu – who became the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 at 18 – is known for her successes, they weren’t always guaranteed. Gu, who competes for China, became the first woman to land a double cork 1440, and in the moment leading up to the trick, she admits she had to be OK with the idea of not being successful in her attempt. “In this moment, if I (saw) that I’m free to try, it’s going to be a story and a legacy in and of itself regardless of if I land,” Gu said speaking to CNN Sports at the recent Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid. “If I didn’t land, I would be equally proud of myself for trying because what often holds women, particularly young women, back is the fear of trying – and that’s what happens when girls drop out of sports precipitously from age 11 to 14. “Really the story that I wanted to tell was: go out there, do your very best, and if you landed, awesome, but if you don’t, still be proud of yourself,” she added. Now 21, Gu has her sights on her second Winter Olympics when the Games come to Milan-Cortina in 2026. Also hoping to compete is American skier Lindsey Vonn, who earlier this year came out of retirement and concluded her comeback season with a second-place finish in a World Cup super-G race. “A lot of women and girls are afraid to try because of the fear of failure, and I’ve fallen a million times and I’ve always gotten back up, so I’m not afraid to fail at anything,” Vonn said. It is this defiance in the face of potential failure which is key to Vonn’s success. The American star came second in the super-G at the World Cup finals in March to become the oldest female Alpine skier to make the podium of a World Cup race by six years. She retired from the sport in February 2019 but announced last year she would be returning to the slopes after undergoing a successful partial knee replacement in April 2024. Vonn acknowledged that there are factors that some consider detrimental to her ability to win. “Is my age a factor? Yeah. (Are) my, are my injuries a factor? Yes, but … you’ve got to do what you love, and if I fail, so be it, but I always believed in myself, and it’s gotten me this far,” Vonn told CNN. “A lot of people say as they get older, the fear increases – that’s your mind. Do what you set your mind to. If you believe you can’t do it, then of course.” Vonn has already expressed her desire to conclude this chapter of her career at the Winter Games. She already has a record 12 World Cup wins at Cortina d’Ampezzo. She told the Associated Press that she was “definitely am thinking about (the Olympics) and I hope that I can get there.” “I have to keep things going and if I can make it, it would be a thrilling and a great way to kind of close the loop on my career – I guess the second chapter of my career. But I’m really trying not to think that far ahead,” she told AP. Vonn has plenty of supporters who think she has a shot at medaling again. “I’m pretty sure Lindsey can win at least one medal,” three-time Olympic champion Maria Höfl-Riesch told CNN Sports. ”I mean she could do it in both events, of course. I think it depends on if it’s working in the first one, then maybe the second one is coming easier.” Vonn said she was hopeful for herself and Gu when it came to bagging medals. “I would say you (Eileen) got three last Olympics. My best was two and I have three potential events. So I think, on average, we should hopefully come away with three or four. I think four would be a pretty solid bet,” Vonn said.
Not holding back: Neither Lindsey Vonn nor Eileen Gu are scared to fail at the Olympics
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lindsey Vonn and Eileen Gu Emphasize Resilience Ahead of Upcoming Olympics"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
Lindsey Vonn and Eileen Gu, both prominent figures in the skiing world, exemplify perseverance and resilience in the face of potential failure, particularly as they prepare for future Olympic competitions. Eileen Gu, who made headlines as the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing at the age of 18 during the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, emphasizes the importance of embracing the possibility of failure. Gu's achievement of becoming the first woman to land a double cork 1440 is a testament to her determination. In a recent interview, she stated that the act of trying is a significant part of her legacy, regardless of the outcome. Gu noted that many young women drop out of sports due to the fear of failure, and she aims to inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly, highlighting that pride should come from the effort, not just the results. With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina on her radar, Gu continues to advocate for confidence and resilience among young female athletes.
Lindsey Vonn, a legendary American skier, also embodies this spirit of determination. After retiring in 2019, she made a comeback to competitive skiing, finishing second in a World Cup super-G race earlier this year. Vonn acknowledges the challenges posed by age and injuries but remains committed to doing what she loves. She expressed that fear of failure is often a mental barrier and emphasized the importance of self-belief. As she prepares for the upcoming Olympics, Vonn reflects on her illustrious career, during which she has set numerous records, including 12 World Cup wins at Cortina d'Ampezzo. Vonn is optimistic about her chances and those of Gu at the Olympics, suggesting they could collectively achieve multiple medals. Both athletes serve as powerful role models, encouraging young women to face their fears and strive for excellence in sports, regardless of the potential for setbacks.
TruthLens AI Analysis
This article highlights the themes of perseverance and fearlessness in the face of potential failure, as illustrated by the experiences of Olympic athletes Lindsey Vonn and Eileen Gu. Both athletes share a message that resonates particularly with young women, encouraging them to embrace challenges and redefine success beyond mere victories.
Purpose of the Article
The article aims to inspire readers by showcasing how both Vonn and Gu have faced setbacks and challenges in their careers but continue to push forward. Their stories serve as motivational examples to encourage individuals, especially young women, to pursue their passions without the fear of failing. This reflects a broader societal message about resilience and empowerment.
Public Perception
Through the narratives presented, the article seeks to foster a positive perception of sports as a platform for personal growth and resilience. By focusing on the athletes’ experiences with failure, it challenges the stigma associated with losing and promotes the idea that trying is an achievement in itself. The article may also resonate with communities that value female empowerment in sports.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the positive aspects of failure and perseverance, it may not address the systemic challenges that still exist for women in sports, such as unequal funding, media representation, and societal pressures. These factors could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers that young women face, which the article does not delve into.
Reliability of the Article
The information presented appears credible, as it is based on direct quotes from the athletes and their experiences. However, the narrative may be somewhat selective in highlighting only the positive aspects of failure without acknowledging the broader context of challenges in the sports industry.
Societal Impact
The article could contribute to a shift in how failure is perceived, potentially leading to increased participation in sports among young women. By framing failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback, it may encourage more girls to engage in competitive sports, which could influence societal attitudes towards female athletes.
Target Audience
The article is likely aimed at a broad audience, including young athletes, parents, and sports enthusiasts. It particularly caters to communities that advocate for women's empowerment and inclusion in sports, aligning with current movements that seek to support female athletes.
Economic Implications
While the article itself may not directly impact stock markets or financial markets, the increased visibility and support for female athletes could lead to greater investment in women’s sports. Brands and sponsors may recognize the potential for growth in this area, which could influence market trends related to sports apparel and endorsements.
Geopolitical Context
In the context of international sports, the stories of Gu and Vonn also reflect broader narratives about nationalism and representation in sports, particularly with Gu competing for China. This aligns with ongoing discussions about identity and representation in global sports competitions.
Use of AI in Article Composition
It’s possible that AI tools were employed in crafting the article, particularly in structuring the narrative and ensuring clarity. The language used is motivational and aligns with contemporary discourse on empowerment, which could suggest a strategic choice in wording to resonate with the intended audience.
Manipulative Elements
There is a slight potential for manipulation in how the narrative frames failure as exclusively positive, which could gloss over the more complex emotional and psychological impacts of failing in competitive sports. This framing could inadvertently set unrealistic expectations for young athletes about the nature of success and failure.
The article effectively conveys a positive message about resilience while possibly simplifying the challenges faced by women in sports. Overall, it serves as a motivational piece but could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the issues at play.