Like most who love the outdoors, I’ve been looking forward to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics for some time now. I’m excited to see the world’s greatest athletes compete, but I also love hearing the stories behind the athletes and how the drive to achieve their goals has helped them overcome many of the same road blocks of life that I’ve had to overcome. 

Lindsey Vonn is an amazing woman. I’ve conquered nearly all the highest peaks in the world only Mt. Everest to go, but nobody conquers a mountain faster than Lindsey. 

Imagine yourself driving down the interstate and a skier passes you. That’s how fast Lindsey flies down a mountain. Most people think climbing the mountain is scary. The danger involved, coupled with a fear of heights really strains people’s nerves. 

But, I think what Linsey does is far more frightening. She’s rocketing down a hill at 80+ miles per hour. No air bags. No seat belt. No roll cage. Just a helmet and a lot of hard packed snow. 

Yikes! 

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised though. She’s been skiing since she was two years old. She was the first American to win the Trofeo Tropolino competition for 11-14 year olds and she made her World Cup debut at 16 years old. 

Over the years, Lindsey has been a great overcomer. It’s a characteristic every great athlete has to have, and one that every individual needs if they want to succeed in life. It’s never about whether challenges will come, but a matter of what you’ll do when those challenges arrive. 

In 2006 Linsey injured her hip during an Olympic training run at San Sicario, Italy. She was airlifted out by helicopter and had to stay in the hospital overnight. She returned to finish eighth despite her injured hip. 

Now, Lindsey’s competition at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics is also being threatened with injury. She’s fighting a tender shin injury that really affects her ability to ski. Still, knowing what I know about Lindsey, she’ll be back on that mountain if there’s any possible way she thinks she can compete.

As I approach my Everest climb and the completion of my goal to climb the seven summits and ski to the poles, Lindsey’s tenacious way of pushing through the obstacles she comes in contact with inspires me to stay the course in my life. And, I hope it does the same for you.