Alpine skiing news – Emotional Lindsey Vonn ‘honoured’ to win Laureus Spirit of Sport award

The ‘Queen of the Slopes’ called time on her remarkable career earlier this month, finishing with a fitting bronze in the downhill at the world championships in Sweden.

Vonn, 31, announced she would retire going into the event due to her “screaming” body, having consistently been forced to overcome injuries to compete throughout her career.

And after 82 World Cup wins, eight world championship medals and one Olympic gold, the American was overcome with emotion when taking to the stage as a retired athlete at the Laureus Awards.

“I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry anymore! It’s really weird to be retired, but I am so honoured to be in this room,” she said, following a lengthy standing ovation.

“I’ve been inspired by so many of you over the course of my career. Sport has a unique opportunity to change people in ways they never expected.

“My comebacks have always made me a stronger person, and I’m very sad to be leaving my sport, but I know because of everything I can take that into the next chapter of my life, and do something even more incredible.

“Thank you all so much for your respect – I’m going to miss it!”