NEED TO KNOW
- Lindsey Vonn tells PEOPLE that the Milan-Cortina Olympics will be “hard” without her beloved dog, Lucy, who died in March
- The Olympian says Lucy “traveled the world” with her and was her “trusty, trusty companion”
- Vonn says she may incorporate a nod to Lucy on her helmet when she competes in the Winter Games
Lindsey Vonn says the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy will be bittersweet, after the death of her beloved dog, Lucy.
Vonn, 40, revealed in March that she had to say goodbye to her “princess” Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who lived to be nine years old. Speaking to PEOPLE at the Milan-Cortina Olympics preview, the Olympian says she was “supposed to go on vacation” when Lucy passed away.
“It’s horrible,” Vonn says of losing her beloved pet, who was always by her side.
“She traveled the world. She was at the last Olympics, so it’s going to be hard to be at the Games without her,” says Vonn, describing Lucy as her former “trusty, trusty companion.”
When Vonn takes the slopes in February — after announcing her un-retirement from the sport in November 2024 — she says she’s considering incorporating an ode to Lucy in her outfit. “Maybe I’ll put a [patch] or something on my helmet or somewhere,” Vonn ponders. “I’ve got to do something for her.”
Ahead of the Winter Games, Vonn says she’s “feeling great” and ready to “be locked down training” in the coming weeks. “I don’t feel my age, and I’m really excited for Cortina,” she tells PEOPLE.
Vonn loves traveling to Italy and says it’s “part of the reason why I want to come back for these Games.” Her events will take place in Cortina, roughly a two-hour train ride from Milan, but Vonn is hoping to spend some time in Italy’s fashion capital, too.
“I hope I get a chance to actually go to Milan after I compete. It’s a little tough being so far away from the venue, but Milan is … I love fashion and would love to spend some time there afterwards, but I have a feeling my schedule’s going to be intense.”
Vonn penned a touching tribute to Lucy on Instagram after saying goodbye to her longtime companion on March 30. “From the very first moment until the very last, she brought so much light and love to me and everyone she met,” Vonn wrote.
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“There was nothing Lucy couldn’t do! She was never scared, never hesitant to try something new, she was always happy, loved big and unconditionally. There will never be enough words to describe how much I love her and my heart will never ever be the same without her. There will never be another Lucy.”
Several of Vonn’s famous friends left comments on her post. WNBA star Cameron Brink said she was “sending so much love” and fashion designer Vera Wang left a broken-heart emoji on the post. Bill Belichick’s ex-girlfriend Linda Holliday recalled meeting “sweet” Lucy once, and Reese Witherspoon said, “Oh friend .. I’m so sorry😢 . Sending you big hugs.”
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