AMERICAN skier Lindsey Vonn has revealed the heartbreaking reason she decided to scatter her beloved grandad’s ashes in PyeongChang.
The Olympian, 33, was asked about her grandfather during a press conference at the Winter Olympics in South Korea, only to burst into tears.
Don Kildow served the US military during the Korean War, based on a rock just a stone’s throw away from the mountain used for these Games.
On scattering the ashes in PyeonChang, Vonn revealed: “I know that it would mean a lot to him to be back here, a part of him is in South Korea always.
“I miss him so much. He’s been such a big part of my life.
“I really had hoped that he would be alive to see me [at this year’s Olympics].
#myangel“But I know he’s watching, and I know that he’s going to help me and I’m going to win for him.”
Vonn clinched the bronze medal in the downhill, only to ski out of Thursday’s slalom leg of the alpine combined.
NOT THE FALL GIRL Meet Elizabeth Swaney, the skier who finished last in halfpipe event, can’t do tricks or even ski
However, she added: “To be able to race for him in these Olympics was very special for me.
“And I tried everything I could to win for [my grandad].
MOST READ IN SPORT
“I got a bronze, which, you know, to me was very special. And I think he would be proud of that.”
Vonn also revealed she will now retire from sport – but not after making the most of her time in South Korea.
Recently she was overwhelmed when a group of elderly locals handed her some gifts and a letter, showing their appreciation for her grandad’s brave work.
Vonn’s grandfather Kildow served in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953.
Leave a comment