Lindsey Vonn on backlash to Trump comments: ‘People are hoping I break my neck’

Lindsey Vonn has again weighed in on her controversial remarks about how she would “absolutely not” accept an invitation from Donald Trump to visit the White House, this time on social media. And the claims the Olympic skiing icon makes about how some people have reacted to them are disturbing.

Vonn on Tuesday morning took to Instagram to post a lengthy commentary about the fallout from her comments. Perhaps the most alarming is how Vonn writes it’s been “hurtful to read comments where people are hoping I break my neck or that God is punishing me for being ‘anti-Trump.’”

As I head to France for the next races, I would like to share with you my reflections from the past few days. I’ve received a tremendous amount of feedback, both positive and negative, about my recent CNN interview. The point that I was trying to articulate is that all Olympic athletes represent their nation as a whole, and are not representatives of their government or any specific political figure or party. None of us work tirelessly for years on end to compete in the Olympics on behalf of Democrats or Republicans. The Olympics are a non-political event, a chance for everyone to put aside their differences and be on the same “team.”. That does not mean that Olympic athletes don’t have political opinions. As an American, I am extremely proud that our great nation was founded on principals and ideals where citizens can express our opinions openly. It is a privilege that some others around the world don’t have. I am proud to be an American, and I want our country to continue to be a symbol of hope, compassion, inclusion and world unity. My travels around the world have recently made clear that this is no longer how people view the United States. You cannot pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV in Europe without noticing how people are questioning our direction. It seems to me that we must lead with understanding and strive for unity in our relationships throughout the world. As for myself, my recent comments opened up my eyes as to how divided we are right now. It is hurtful to read comments where people are hoping I break my neck or that God is punishing me for being “anti-Trump.” We need to find a way to put aside our differences and find common ground in communicating. Is it wrong to hope for a better world? All of this is much bigger than skiing and the Olympics. I am going to take the next two months to focus on what I can do and right now that is competing for my country. In doing that, I will be hoping that we Americans can still be that “shining city on a hill.”

A post shared by L I N D S E Y • V O N N (@lindseyvonn) on Dec 12, 2017 at 4:57am PST

Vonn’s social media post follows a CNN interview ahead of the Winter Olympics in South Korea in which she stated a desire “to represent the people of the United States, not the president.”

Vonn defended her comments about Trump ahead of a World Cup race last week in Switzerland.

“I was asked my opinion and I gave it,” Vonn said. “I mean, it’s not necessarily my place to be sticking my nose in politics, but as an athlete I do have a voice.”