The Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame started in 1979 to celebrate Team USA’s top athletes, teams, coaches, and special contributors. This summer, the committee will induct 16 athletes into the Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, along with legendary alpine skier Lindsey Vonn.

Happy with her addition to the collection of the greatest American athletes, Vonn took to Instagram to show her appreciation.

Lindsey Vonn headlines the Class of ‘22

None other than alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn headlines the Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame 2022 class, along with the living legend Michael Phelps. Subsequently, Vonn expressed her gratitude on her social media. 

She wrote, “Honored to be inducted in the Hall of Fame alongside such incredible athletes and contributors to sport. It has always been a privilege and an honor to represent my country in the Olympics. Thank you 🙏🏻”.

The 2022 class includes many individual female athletes like figure skating star Michelle Kwan, soccer icon Mia Hamm, tennis legend Billie Jean King, and 7-time Paralympic medalist Muffy Davis, among others. Notably, the class collectively holds 129 medals, 86 of which are gold.

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This is the first class of inductees since 2019, leading to a large pool of worthy candidates. The committee will hold the induction ceremony on June 24 in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

READ MORE: Lindsey Vonn Congratulates French Open King Rafael Nadal as He Reaches Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt League of Dominance

The stunning career of Vonn

Lindsey Vonn is a three-time Olympic medalist. She has a record of eight World Cup season titles in downhill and three consecutive World Cup titles in combined. Vonn also has the second-highest super ranking of all skiers, men or women.

Vonn has won 82 World Cup races in her career. Her record is number two among women skiers, surpassed only by Ingemar Stenmark with 86. Combining all this with her 8 World Championship medals, Vonn is one of the most successful American skiers. In fact, she is one of the greatest of all.

Her illustrious career didn’t come without its obstacles. Vonn has seen a lot of injuries, undergone countless surgeries, and bounced back repeatedly to win her titles. Arm fractures, broken ankles, ACL and MCL injuries, several concussions, and bruised shins. Many times, Vonn has raced down the slopes with an assistive pole attached to a limb to keep her upright.

But her determination and grit have kept her going for years. She retired in 2019 after injuries had gotten too severe for her knees to keep supporting her on the slope. She has been an inspiration to millions across the world. Her induction into the Hall of Fame is more than deserved.

DIVE DEEPER: “I’ve Been Knocked Down”- Lindsey Vonn Often Thought About Her Mother’s Experience When She Felt Pain of Her Injuries