Lindsey Vonn’s ‘Body Paint’ Photo Sparks Buzz as U.S. Ski Star Prepares for 2026 Winter Olympics Return
With the countdown officially underway for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, Lindsey Vonn is once again commanding headlines — but not only for her achievements on the slopes. A resurfaced Sports Illustrated Swimsuit “body paint” photo of the American skiing icon has gone viral, igniting a wave of reactions online and reminding fans of Vonn’s unique ability to captivate audiences both inside and outside the world of sports.
The renewed attention comes on the same day the 41-year-old athlete was officially named to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team for the 2026 Games. The roster announcement, which confirmed 97 total athletes (50 women and 47 men), marks a remarkable chapter in Vonn’s storied career. After missing the 2022 Olympics due to a serious knee injury, many wondered whether Vonn would ever return to the Olympic stage. Now, after years of rehab, training, and perseverance, she has completed a comeback that even critics are calling “unlikely” and “impressive.”
Vonn enters Italy widely regarded as one of the greatest ski racers in history. A four-time World Cup overall champion and Olympic medalist, she has spent decades pushing the limits of speed and endurance in alpine skiing. Her return to the Games at age 41 adds yet another compelling layer to an already iconic legacy, as she seeks to medal once again in what could be her final Olympic appearance.
However, as fans celebrated her competitive return, another storyline surged on social platforms: the resurfacing of Vonn’s 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo, where she appeared wearing only meticulously designed body paint. The image, part of one of the magazine’s most memorable body paint features, began trending shortly after Vonn’s Olympic status was confirmed.
Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit account fueled the momentum by reposting the now-famous image with a throwback caption that read simply:
“Lindsey Vonn. BODY PAINT. Enough said.”
The combination of nostalgia, awe, and curiosity sent fans into a frenzy. Comments poured in praising Vonn’s physique, confidence, and longevity as both an athlete and public figure.
“One of the most beautiful girls on the planet ❤,” one fan raved.
“Just as beautiful now as you were then! Such a powerful statement of a very confident woman!” another wrote.
Others reacted with humor, asking practical questions about how such body paint holds up during activities, with one user joking, “What if you want to swim? And what happens if you're sweating?” Many more simply posted heart or fire emojis, signaling their approval.
The viral moment underscores Vonn’s unusual position in sports culture: she remains a dominant athlete while also enjoying a presence in fashion, modeling, entertainment, and social media — spheres many athletes struggle to balance. Since the last Olympic cycle, Vonn has appeared in campaigns, released books, launched lifestyle ventures, and continued philanthropic work centered on empowering young women through the Lindsey Vonn Foundation.
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