Empty the tank

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Tuesday, April 25

Let’s talk about Lindsey Vonn for a second. At age 41, and after multiple setbacks and even a retirement, she was coming for her 5th Olympics and her second gold medal in the 2026 games. I’m sure you’ve seen the story where, during her final run before the Olympic games - just days before she was scheduled to race in Italy - she tore her ACL. Somewhat miraculously, she still decided to and was able to not only race, but race well in Italy. She was in the running for the podium when, on her final run, she had a horrific crash.

There has been a lot of chatter around Vonn, her decision, and the outcome. But here’s what I think it means for those of us on the journey of getting better.

Sometimes, you just have to go for it.

She wasn’t 16 with her entire future in front of her. This was most likely her last go at an Olympic medal. If she could ski, she was going to. She was going to leave it all on the line. And she did. She took the risk because she believed it was worth it.

Yes, she crashed (not because of her leg). Yes, she failed to medal. Yes, it didn’t work out.

This doesn’t matter. Outcomes are a part of the story we can’t control. What we can control is if we’re willing to do what it takes to unlock our potential. If we are willing to be questioned, to be ridiculed, to be doubted in pursuit of our best.

She could’ve played it “safe” and not raced. But she’s a competitor. She would’ve always been left with the doubt, the regret, the second-guessing. She would’ve been haunted by the question of “What if?” because there wouldn’t be an answer for it.

But going for it? She can live with.

And that’s the mindset we must have in our pursuit. Know who you are. Know what you’re about. Empty the tank in pursuit of your potential, not matter the outcome.

Because we can’t find out what’s possible if we only take the safe road.
Worry less about the podium, and more about skiing your race.

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Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin