American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn officially confirms her romantic relationship with French World Cup alpine ski racer Matthieu Bailet. Vonn shares the announcement through a verified Instagram post featuring vacation snapshots documenting their summer adventures. The public confirmation ends months of speculation that began earlier this year when observers spotted the pair together in New York City.

The Instagram Announcement and Public Confirmation

Vonn utilizes social media to share intimate vacation photos with her followers. The post features the couple kissing in a swimming pool and lounging together on seaside rocks. Matthieu Bailet responds actively to the social media reveal by commenting on the upload and resharing the post to his personal Instagram Stories.

Bailet soundtracks his repost with Olivia Dean’s track So Easy (To Fall in Love), cementing the public nature of their partnership. Fans and fellow athletes flood the comments section with supportive messages, celebrating the official coupling of two major figures from the international ski racing community.

Timeline of the Romance

Romance rumors surrounding the athletic duo first emerged in May. Observers spot Vonn and Bailet together in New York City on multiple occasions, sparking immediate media interest.

New York City Sightings

During their time in Manhattan, the couple enjoys lunch in Soho, rides the subway together like everyday commuters, and attends a performance of Broadway’s The Outsiders. Sources close to the athletes confirm at the time that the two are spending deliberate time getting to know each other away from the competitive ski circuit.

Who Is Matthieu Bailet?

Bailet brings an impressive athletic resume to the relationship, establishing himself as a notable competitor on the international winter sports stage.

Athletic Career and Background

Hailing from Nice, France, the 30-year-old athlete specializes in downhill and super-G events. He makes his debut in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in 2016 at age 19 and competes on the elite circuit annually since then. Bailet also represents France on the international stage during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Vonn Navigates Recovery After Olympic Injury

The relationship announcement arrives as Vonn continues a long and demanding physical recovery process following a major competitive setback.

The 2026 Winter Olympics Crash

During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, Vonn suffers a severe crash just 13 seconds into the women’s downhill event. Medical personnel airlift her directly to a hospital, where surgeons perform emergency procedures for a complex tibia fracture. Vonn also tears her ACL one week prior to the competition.

Current Health Status and Future Surgeries

Vonn provides detailed updates regarding her physical therapy and upcoming medical procedures to her supporters. She spends months in a wheelchair and on crutches, noting that her ankle remains broken five months after the accident. Walking unassisted presents significant challenges during the early stages of her rehabilitation.

She plans to undergo reconstructive ACL surgery in the winter, targeting November for the operating table. Medical professionals estimate a nine-month recovery window following that surgery before she achieves full mobility and strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Matthieu Bailet?

Matthieu Bailet is a 30-year-old French alpine ski racer from Nice, France, who competes in downhill and super-G events on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit.

When did Lindsey Vonn and Matthieu Bailet start dating?

The couple first sparks romance rumors in May when they are spotted together in New York City, before officially confirming their relationship on social media in September.

What injury did Lindsey Vonn sustain at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Vonn suffers a complex tibia fracture and tears her ACL during the women’s downhill event in Italy, requiring an emergency airlift and multiple surgeries.

How did the couple announce their relationship?

They shared vacation photos on Instagram.

Where do they spend time together?

They enjoy trips and outings.