Lindsey Vonn says she’ll ski for the US people, not the president at the Olympics
Vonn also said she won’t visit the White House if invited.
Two-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn said on Wednesday night that she won’t accept a visit to the White House following the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. In an interview with CNN, Vonn said she is representing the people of the United States, not the president.
"I hope to represent the people of the United States, not the President."
— CNN Sport (@cnnsport) December 7, 2017
US skier @lindseyvonn tells @ChrissymacCNN she wouldn't accept an invitation to the White House: https://t.co/DKE87vx2jX pic.twitter.com/nnMIkvBu1d
“I want to represent our country well, and I don’t think there are a lot of people in our government that do that.”
Vonn’s statement is garnering praise from many people, including former Olympic diver Greg Louganis.
Bravo @lindseyvonn for the courage to speak up for principle, and to putting country first, you are a #champion in more ways than one! #GoUSA #LindseyVonn #NeedtoImpeach #olympics2018 https://t.co/EVTYzTZzz4
— Gregory Louganis (@greglouganis) December 7, 2017
Many people are applauding Vonn’s bravery, and not fearing a reprisal. Traditionally, athletes like Stephen Curry and Colin Kaepernick have been made targets in responses from the president following criticism, but others are wondering whether they’ll come at all.
Will @realDonaldTrump attack @lindseyvonn the way he did @Kaepernick7 and other non-white athletes? https://t.co/UiLBtjj0It
— Alheli Picazo (@a_picazo) December 7, 2017
There has been no response from the president at this time.