Lindsey Vonn said in December 2017 that she would not attend a prospective White House visit after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics because she wanted to represent the American people, not President Donald Trump. She later clarified that Olympic athletes represent the nation as a whole—not a particular government, politician or party. Vonn won a downhill bronze in 2018 and did not attend the White House celebration for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes that April.
What Vonn said about a possible White House invitation
On December 7, 2017, CNN asked Vonn whether she would accept an invitation to the White House if she won an Olympic medal. She answered, “Absolutely not. Nope.” She went on to say she hoped to represent “the people of the United States, not the President,” and that she did not think many people then in government represented the country well, as reported by The Washington Post and TIME.
The question was hypothetical: it concerned a possible invitation after the Games, not an invitation she had accepted and then withdrawn. Vonn said she believed every U.S. team member was invited, but reiterated that she would not go.
How she explained her position
Vonn followed up on December 12 in an Instagram statement quoted by The Washington Post. She said her point was that “all Olympic athletes represent their nation as a whole” rather than their government or any particular political figure or party. She described the Olympics as a chance for people to put aside differences, while also affirming that athletes have a right to their political opinions.
#1 Best Overall
- Comfortable Safety: Ski helmet built for both comfort and safety. Equipped with reinforced ABS shell & shock-absorbing EPS core
- Choose Between 22 Different Color Options: Sleek design available in 22 different color combinations for you to choose from. All in matte finish
- Adjustable Size: Size adjustment dial for a perfect fit. Easy to wash removable ear pads & inner fleece liner
- Best-In-Class Ventilation: Equipped with 14 individual vents for next-level ventilation for hours of comfortable skiing
- About Size: The helmet contains an inner cushion, so the size number may be a little smaller. The helmet runs a size small. Please order a size based on measuring head circumference + 2 cm
Her distinction was between the country and its sitting president: she said she was proud to be American and wanted the United States to stand for hope, compassion, inclusion and unity. Her explanation was about what she believed an Olympic athlete represents, not a claim that athletes must avoid political views.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened after the Olympics
Vonn won bronze in the women’s downhill at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. On April 27, 2018, Trump hosted U.S. athletes from the Winter Olympics and Paralympics at the White House; Vonn was among the prominent athletes who did not attend. TIME’s account of the event reports her absence.
Rank #2
- First Choice for Ski Helmet: The impeccable fit of both the Kelvin II ski helmet and OutdoorMaster ski goggles ensures a seamless experience. Perfectly designed for winter enthusiasts, this helmet is a must-have for those who crave the thrill of skiing, skating, snowboarding, and more
- Premium Protection: Keep your head covered in this snow helmet as you carve the mountain on your skis or snowboard. Fully formed ABS outer shell with high quality EPS foam to ensure safety on impact
- Breathable Design: The Kelvin II ski helmet's 14 air vent holes work harmoniously to ensure effective ventilation, Purposefully designed ventilation apertures shield you from freezing winds
- Adjustable Fit: The snowboard helmet's detachable lining, earmuffs, and soft chin band offer cozy warmth. The adjustable dial to perfectly customize your fit.Lightweight and user-friendly, it relieve head pressure, ensuring an enjoyable snowy adventure
- Sizing: To determine the correct helmet size, wrap a measuring tape around your head. The tape should rest just above your ears and remain level around the circumference of your head. Small: 18.89-21.25 inch(48-54 cm), Medium: 21.25-22.83 inch(54-58 cm), Large: 22.83-24.41 inch(58-62 cm)
The timeline matters: Vonn announced her position before the Games, then skipped the later celebration. The available reporting also says she had visited the White House in 2010 and 2014, so it does not support portraying her statement as a categorical rejection of the institution or every White House visit.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Comfortable Safety: Ski helmet built for both comfort and safety. Equipped with reinforced ABS shell & shock-absorbing EPS core
- Choose Between 22 Different Color Options: Sleek design available in 22 different color combinations for you to choose from. All in matte finish
- Adjustable Size: Size adjustment dial for a perfect fit. EASY TO WASH removable ear pads & inner fleece liner
- Best-In-Class Ventilation: Equipped with 14 individual vents for next-level ventilation for hours of comfortable skiing
- What You Get: 1 x OutdoorMaster Ski Helmet, OutdoorMaster's friendly customer service
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute
