Lindsey Vonn In Bathing Suit Shows 'Authentic Self'

Being surrounded by people who have a genuine love for her has brought a positive change in Vonn's life.

"Smiling because I’m finally my authentic self 100% of the time. And happy to be surrounded by people who love me for who I am. Getting to this point has taken a long time but I’m here and I’m not going anywhere!" Lindsey captioned her Instagram post.

In an interview with PBS to promote her book Rise: My Story, Lindsey shared that her mom's positivity, despite having a stroke, has influenced her greatly to be optimistic about her own life.

"And I think that's where I have gotten that optimism from. Whenever I have faced adversity, especially physical injury in the course of my career, I have always looked to my mom for that level of optimism and positivity, and also just a different perspective."

Like most elite athletes, Lindsey is highly driven. A high drive to succeed is one of the key elements of a competitive athlete and her tenacity has helped her reach immense success in sports.

"I've always been very driven. I mean, I don't know really what was in me that made me believe so strongly that I was going to be an Olympic champion," she said to The Washington Post.

Just getting by is not enough for this athlete. While she has retired from competitive skiing, she still continues to push herself, especially when she is working out.

"I just like pushing myself. I like feeling strong, and when I feel physically strong, I feel so much more mentally strong. When I work out, I feel like I'm healthier and more confident. I've achieved something, no matter how small," she told Women's Health.

As she told PBS, she knows that risks are part of the sport she chose. But, while her body has paid the price for the years of skiing, it has been well worth it.

"Have I paid a heavy price for doing what I love? Absolutely. You know, I'm in pain pretty much every day. My knees are always hurting me. My arm hurts. Everything is — but — everything hurts, but you know what? I was happy that I was able to get as many years out of it as I did. And to have the success I did, I feel very lucky."

"Dogs are literally the best companions you could ever hope for," Lindsey once told USA Today.

Vonn is a proud fur mom to rescue dogs, who often make an appearance on her Instagram feed. She shared in the interview that her dogs have always been there during her toughest times, laying beside her when she was recovering from surgery and listening to her stories anytime she needs someone to vent her feelings.

Pets have been effective in aiding during recovery. They can help reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. Plus, dog kisses can instantly lift one's mood!

In her book, Lindsey admitted that she has had relationships before that haven't been the best for her. She says that she has a tendency to get too lost in the relationship and conforms to please her partner. Now, she has recognized her mistakes and has found joy in being single.

"I really enjoy it now," Vonn, 37, says to People. "It's nice to be comfortable enough with life and yourself to be alone and happy with it. I feel lucky."

While she doesn't follow a specific diet, Lindsey still does her best to eat healthily.

“I try not to eat too much in the morning before I work out,” she told Women’s Health. “I’m not working out crazy hard, but I notice I feel better; not as weighed down.”

To make sure healthy food is always available, Lindsey relies on a meal delivery service. However, she still indulges in treats every once in a while. Per Lindsey, she hasn't been too strict on herself after retiring from professional skiing.

Being in the public eye has made her a target for scrutiny but Lindsey isn't afraid of body-shaming haters. In a post, she confidently celebrated her natural body.

"I’m a normal person and sometimes I slouch, my stomach folds over, my cellulite shows on my butt, or I don’t fill out my swimsuit top just right....But, I always remember how my body has helped me achieve amazing things in my life and I am proud of how strong I am."