Lindsey Vonn Sits Down With OffBall

…And we’re starting with the very Italian Opening Ceremonies (so Italian they had life-sized sentient Moka pots). The ceremonies are always so successful at celebrating everything good about humanity, if you ask me. And the vibes were high for Team USA. Also, Mariah Carey was there. 

Since the timing of the games can be a little bit hard (unless you live in Europe, in which case, lucky!), there will be downtime. To fill that space, consider making your way through this list of TV shows and films about the Olympics.  

I just learned Cortina and Milan are six hours apart, so I still need to get my sea legs about me when it comes to the settings of all these events. We’ve done most of the location scouting for you, and by we, I mean nss sports. 

Chloe Kim is mentioned in today’s newsletter many times. And you know what, it won’t be the last one that’s like that. We aren’t the only ones who can’t shut up about Chloe Kim, either. Here’s her Women’s Health profile. And this excellent one from Elle. You, like I, might say that Chloe Kim is Elle. 

Between Lindsey Vonn, Gus Kenworthy, Nick Goepper, and Maddy Schaffrick, there are many Olympians in these gamessetting out to prove that age is just a number. Good on them.

Welcome to Take Five, a series where our community taps in to curate the music, style, trends, and influencers that have caught their eye. From things that inspire them to what or who we should all be paying attention to. 

You’ve seen our past Take Fives, featuring big names like Naomi Osaka, DeAndre Hopkins, Blake Anderson, Tobin Heath, Christen Press, and so many more. Today, we’re making herstory, because ahead of the Winter Games (which started last night), we talked to the bravest and most inspiring woman in America. That’s right: Lindsey Vonn. 

If you haven’t heard, she tore her ACL days before the games but decided she’s still going to compete. I don’t even understand how that’s possible, and I tried to follow up with her after she posted this insane video of her training (is the torn ACL in the room with us?), but she’s a little busy, it seems. 

OffBall: What’s your training hype song? 

“Lindsey: Joyner Lucas - Zim Zimma”

OB: What is your guilty pleasure TV show?

“Lindsey: Law & Order - Always my favorite!”

OB: Who would you want playing you in a biopic? 

“Lindsey: Jennifer Lawrence”

OB: Which Winter Olympian should we all keep an eye on? 

“Lindsey: Chloe Kim”

OB: What’s something you’re looking forward to doing in Italy? 

“Lindsey: Cortina is one of my favorite race hills, so looking forward to being back in such a beautiful place competing for my country!”

Anyway, let’s get to it! 

Thanks so much to Lindsey for chatting with us!

If you’re unsure of what to expect at the Olympics, I got you. 

One of the major events is going to be figure skating. You’re especially gonna wanna get to know men’s figure skater Ilia Malinin, because of his immaculate quadruple axel. They call him the Quad God for a reason. 

Plus, women’s figure skater-slash-alt-grunge sweetheart Alysa Liu is a name you’ll need to remember and watch closely. 

Amber Glenn is the oldest woman to qualify for the women’s singles team in 98 years. And to spare your feelings, I won’t tell you how old she really is. Kidding, she’s 26. I’m crying too. 

Madison Chock and Evan Bates are a figure skating couples duo and a real life duo (adorable). 

Team USA Women’s Hockey is already proving they’re the team to watch. Laila Edwards and Hilary Knight are fan favorites for very good reasons. We’ll have an interview with Laila in our continued Olympics coverage next week. Watch this space. 

For snowboarding, I (and Myles Garett and Lindsey Vonn and everyone else in the world) will be locked in for Chloe Kim’s runs. And for men’s, Ollie Martin posting emo snowboarding edits is enough to pique my attention. 

And if you missed the custom Ralph Lauren fits Team USA donned at the Opening Ceremonies, you should be ashamed. I’ll let it slide, as long as you promise to educate yourself, please.

Read more about the athletes here.

And read more about which Olympians are from your state here, so you know when and where you need to be to scream at your TV (positive) and support your hometown athletes. 

And there you have it!