Lindsey Vonn, the Laureus World Sportswoman of the year in 2010, is just one of only two female skiers to have won four World Cup overall championships, and is the first American winner of gold medal in downhill skiing.

Vonn is also one of few skiers to transcend the sport, and has been a major media figure in the United States, where she frequently appears on television and in magazines.

A prodigious talent, Vonn competed in her first race at the age of 7 and was taking part in international competitions just two years later.