Lindsey Vonn Emotional as She Mourns Loss of Red Bull Founder Amid Heartfelt Confession

“RIP to the legend, a one-of-a-kind man and an incredible leader.” Lindsey Vonn had penned these words 2 years back, when she had learned of the Red Bull founder, Dietrich Mateschitz’s passing. She was shaken, emotional, and grateful at the same time. It had been years since the Red Bull logo on her cap had become her signature look, and now the man behind it was no longer there. It hurt more as he was one of the first to believe in her, leading her to vow that there would never be another man like him. Imagine having a connection that strong that even today, 2 years later, the memories and the imprint of the man haven’t left her mind. No wonder, even in a moment of great celebration with the brand, she paused to mourn his loss…

The late Dietrich’s brand Red Bull and Lindsey Vonn share a few interesting coincidences. The two were born in the same year, 1984. And went on to have a solid partnership. So much so that Vonn once said, “I don’t do any brand deals that I don’t believe in or products I don’t use,” clearly signifying her trust in Red Bull. But it’s not just trust. There’s also a personal and heartfelt emotion that she feels about the brand. And of course, the man who made it all possible for her. Therefore, while she was recently celebrating her two-decade milestone with Red Bull, here’s how she remembered Dietrich.

On July 14, she added an Instagram post featuring some beautiful moments from her Red Bull journey. Red Bull beannies, protective headgear, athleisure, podium moments, and so many memories of her association with the brand all compiled in an incredible carousel. With that was a note stating, “WOW!!! 20 Years with @redbull – time has literally flown by!! 🤯🤩” Going down the lane, she reminisced, “I remember signing with Red Bull back in 2005 as a 20-year-old who was just getting started…. It was a leap of faith for myself and the company, but I believed in them and they believed in me.” However, how could she talk about her Red Bull journey and not bring up Dietrich?

Lindsey Vonn didn’t miss out on mentioning the man. She added a few emotional words for the late founder, saying, “Throughout everything – the good times and the bad – they’ve supported me every step of the way. I only wish Dietrich could be here to celebrate and see this final chapter of my career.” While the founder got to see most of Vonn’s career and was a major part of her association with Red Bull, he also saw her retiring from the sport in 2019 owing to multiple injuries. But last year, in 2024, when Vonn gave her career an ambitious second chance at 40 and with a titanium knee, alas, Dietrich couldn’t witness that moment or the kind words that Vonn had once said for him as he died at 78 of cancer.

Dietrich was the Austrian businessman who turned a caffeinated energy drink into a multibillion-dollar brand. And even though he is no longer there, his legacy lives on. Today, it’s been 20 memorable years of Lindsey Vonn’s association with Red Bull. She has been with this brand since she was 20. And had once confessed, she “picked” this brand. Last year on the Why with Dwayne Wade show, she confessed, “So I pick brands that believe in me as much as I believe in them. And I want to build like a long-lasting relationship.” Well, she did what she said. 20 years, a retirement, and a comeback later, she is still associated with Red Bull, and that’s something!

However, Red Bull isn’t the only brand. Vonn has been one of America’s top skiers and had brands raring to sign her up. But here are a few that she chose.

Lindsey Vonn’s off-slope successes

As one of America’s most renowned athletes, Lindsey Vonn partnered with multiple brands during her career. Under Armour had been one of her long-time sponsors. She even joined hands with Oakley eyewear in 2011. And she also signed endorsement deals with the brand Rolex in her career. Later, she collaborated with Head Sportswear and was spotted wearing their sportswear legacy designs. Therefore, she has a significant amount of experience when it comes to brands and partnerships. But amid all this, Red Bull continues to be her constant.

And not just brand-wise, Lindsey Vonn has multiple off-slope successes in her career. She once joined hands with LeBron James and Arnold Schwarzenegger to launch a wellness brand. Also, recently, speaking of 2025, congratulations have been pouring in as she has been nominated for the ESPY award. She recently said, “Can’t believe I’m nominated for another ESPY award… wow! Means a lot to me and it’s very humbling. I’m nominated for Best Comeback (only 10 years after my first comeback nomination 🤪) which is a category filled with incredible, incredible women.”

Thus, be it her Red Bull anniversary or her ESPY nomination, Lindsey Vonn has a lot to celebrate, but even in that moment, she took time to remember Dietrich Mateschitz, which is quite commendable. Let us know your thoughts below.