Congratulations, Netflix! Finally Releases the Highly Anticipated Lindsey Vonn Documentary

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Lindsey Vonn attends Winter Olympics Preview Round Table ahead of Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)

After months of teasers and speculation, Netflix has officially released its much-anticipated documentary on Olympic gold medalist and skiing legend Lindsey Vonn. Titled “Vonn: Downhill and Beyond”, the film premiered globally on May 5th, sending a surge of excitement across the streaming world and the sports community alike.

The 108-minute documentary, directed by Emmy Award-winner Liz Garbus, is a sweeping, intimate portrayal of one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history. Combining never-before-seen footage, raw interviews, and breathtaking visuals from the world’s most dangerous slopes, Vonn: Downhill and Beyond dives deeper than ever before into the triumphs, trials, and transformation of the woman who redefined the sport of skiing.

A Story Years in the Making

Netflix first announced the Vonn documentary in early 2024, shortly after the streaming giant inked a multi-project deal with Vonn’s production company, Après Productions. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting the documentary’s release, especially as Vonn herself dropped cryptic hints via social media throughout filming.

The project took over two years to complete, with production teams following Vonn across the globe—from her mountain retreat in Utah to her charity work in East Africa, and even to the icy peaks of the Alps where her career began.

Garbus, known for documentaries like What Happened, Miss Simone? and Becoming Cousteau, brings a cinematic elegance and human depth to the film. She described working with Vonn as “a journey in understanding not just an athlete, but a force of nature who kept redefining herself every time life knocked her down.”

More Than Medals

Vonn: Downhill and Beyond is not just a sports documentary—it is an emotional rollercoaster that captures the essence of resilience, pain, and reinvention.

The film opens with Vonn’s historic gold-medal run at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, a moment etched into American sports history. But it quickly veers into the darker corridors of her life—her severe injuries, the loneliness of recovery, public breakups, and the psychological toll of competing at the highest level.

In one particularly gripping scene, Vonn recounts her decision to return to competition in 2018 after yet another knee surgery. “Everyone told me to stop,” she says on camera, eyes glistening. “But I needed to finish on my terms.”

Her vulnerability is matched by unflinching honesty. The documentary includes archival footage of her undergoing grueling physical therapy, candid moments of self-doubt, and emotional conversations with her family, including her late grandfather, whose military medals she carried in her racing suit during the Olympics.

Celebrity Cameos and Expert Commentary

The film features appearances and interviews with a host of Vonn’s peers, coaches, and admirers. Fellow Olympians like Mikaela Shiffrin, Shaun White, and Serena Williams reflect on Vonn’s influence, not just in skiing but in sports at large. “She changed the game for female athletes,” says Williams. “She taught us that being strong and being feminine are not mutually exclusive.”

There are also insights from sports scientists and historians, contextualizing Vonn’s career in the broader evolution of women’s athletics. One segment explores how Vonn fought for equal training access, financial support, and media coverage—often at personal cost.

Former partner Tiger Woods also gives a rare on-camera interview, offering a mature and respectful reflection on their time together. “We both knew what it meant to sacrifice everything for a dream,” Woods says. “We connected on that level, and that’s what I’ll always respect about her.”

Global Impact and Legacy

Beyond the glitz and glory, the documentary focuses heavily on Vonn’s post-retirement life and her efforts to give back. Her foundation, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, has empowered thousands of young girls through mentorship and scholarships. The film follows her visit to a ski camp in Colorado, where she shares advice with teenage athletes grappling with pressure and self-doubt.

One of the film’s most touching moments features a letter from a 12-year-old girl who was inspired by Vonn to stay in school and pursue competitive sports. Vonn breaks down in tears while reading it. “If I can inspire just one girl to believe in herself,” she says, “then everything I went through was worth it.”

Critics and Fans React

Within hours of its release, Vonn: Downhill and Beyond soared to the top of Netflix’s trending list. Critics are already calling it one of the best sports documentaries of the decade.

The New York Times praised the film as “an exhilarating, gut-wrenching portrait of an athlete who never stopped climbing, even after the final descent.” Sports Illustrated called it “a must-watch for anyone who’s ever faced a mountain—real or metaphorical.”

Social media erupted in praise as fans around the world shared their emotional reactions. Twitter was flooded with hashtags like #VonnDoc and #QueenOfTheHill, with many users admitting the film brought them to tears.

What’s Next for Vonn?

In a special Q&A aired after the premiere, Vonn hinted at future projects including a scripted limited series based on her memoir Rise: My Story and a travel show focused on women-led adventures around the world.

“I’ll never stop exploring,” she said with a smile. “Whether it’s through film, the outdoors, or empowering the next generation, I still feel like I’m just getting started.”

As for Netflix, the documentary marks yet another win in its growing library of sports content, joining the ranks of hits like The Last Dance and Break Point. Industry insiders believe Vonn: Downhill and Beyond could become a strong contender in the upcoming Emmy Awards.

For now, though, fans are simply savoring the ride—one last exhilarating run down the slopes with the woman who conquered every summit and dared to go even higher.