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Picabo Street Gave Lindsey Vonn Cherished Gloves Before Fateful Crash
The gloves, which are immortalized on a statue of Street, were a gesture of support and friendship before Vonn's violent downhill accident.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Before her fateful downhill run at the Olympics, where she suffered a violent crash after just 13 seconds, skier Lindsey Vonn wore a pair of weathered white gloves that belonged to her childhood idol and longtime friend, Picabo Street. Street, who was working as a color commentator at the event, had given Vonn the gloves, which are even featured on a bronze statue of Street in her hometown of Sun Valley, Idaho. The two skiers were close friends from their time on the U.S. Ski Team together, and Street was emotional about Vonn wearing the gloves, saying she 'cried all night' before the race.
Why it matters
The gesture of Street giving Vonn her personal gloves highlights the close friendship and mutual admiration between the two skiers, who were teammates and have remained close over the years. It also shows the deep connection athletes can have with their equipment and the sentimental value certain items can hold. The fact that the gloves are immortalized on a statue of Street adds to their significance.
The details
Street confirmed to The Los Angeles Times that she had given Vonn the gloves, which are weathered and white with the brand name 'reusch' across the knuckles and a big, plum-colored sun on top. On the wrist straps are Street's initials, scrawled in marker. Street said Vonn had seen a picture of her wearing the gloves and expressed interest in them, prompting Street to offer them to her friend. The gloves are especially meaningful to Street because they are featured on a bronze statue of her in Sun Valley.
- Vonn wore the gloves during her fateful downhill run on Sunday, February 11, 2026.
- Street was working as a color commentator at the Olympics where Vonn's crash occurred.
The players
Lindsey Vonn
An American former World Cup alpine ski racer who is considered one of the greatest female ski racers of all time.
Picabo Street
An American former World Cup alpine ski racer who was a close friend and teammate of Vonn's, and who had her own successful Olympic career. Street is now a color commentator for NBC.
What they’re saying
“When she saw a picture of me in those gloves, she was like, 'Oh, those would be cool,' and I caught wind of it, and was like, 'Well, I just happen to have them.'”
— Picabo Street (The Los Angeles Times)
“It was just my way of being able to show her that, you know, I love you and I believe in you. And wear these, they'll be fun.”
— Picabo Street (The Los Angeles Times)
“I about puked when I saw number 13. I got very little sleep. I cried all night long, and I cried in the morning. I couldn't shake it.”
— Picabo Street (The Los Angeles Times)
What’s next
Vonn's recovery and return to health, both for her competitive skiing career and her quality of life, will be closely watched by fans and the skiing community.
The takeaway
The gesture of Picabo Street giving Lindsey Vonn her cherished gloves, which are even immortalized on a statue of Street, highlights the deep friendship and mutual respect between the two skiers, and the sentimental value that certain pieces of equipment can hold for athletes.
