Lindsey Vonn sat in an executive office on the ground floor of America First Field in Sandy, Utah on Saturday afternoon. Memories of the highs the stadium has seen over the last three decades decorated the walls. Strewn throughout the office were T-shirts, jackets, hats and jerseys, all with familiar colors, all with a familiar logo of the Utah Royals FC who made their long-awaited return to an NWSL market that was heartbroken to see it go a few years ago.
Like any Olympic winter star athlete, Vonn stayed on brand. Over a white Under Armor turtleneck, she donned a royal blue sweatshirt with the club she’s now part-owner of spelled across the front in royal gold. And one day, one of the most decorated and accomplished alpine skiers in history believes there will be more than just generic Royals memorabilia sprinkled on the walls in offices in the stadium.
Vonn, 39, believes she’s found her calling in retirement. It’s been just over five years since the three-time Olympic gold medalist decided to stash away her competitive downhill boots, skis, poles and helmet for good.
“I like setting paths that no one else has paved before and making it easier for someone coming up behind me to achieve what they dream,” she told The Athletic.
Last week, the Royals announced that their…
