The 21st Winter Olympics begin Friday in Vancouver. Leave it to none
other than our Dakota Diamond Griffith to bridge the gap between our
horse show world and Americans competing in the Olympics. With Dakota style, she does this with
none other than Lindsey Vonn, one of the best downhill skiers, if not
the best downhill skier, in the world right now. Lindsey has won the
past two World Cup Championships and by the end of these Olympics,
there’s a reasonable chance she will become one of the most decorated
American Winter Olympians of all time. As Dakota explains in great
detail, Lindsey just happens to be the “Vonn-derful” Olympic bound niece of AQHA/NSBA judge, Lisa Krohn!
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I had a reader recently email me to ask about how I got my name. My middle name “Diamond” is a family surname that was passed down from my Nana, Jean Diamond-Miller. Not many people know that I love to cook and bake which is a passion I inherited from my beautiful great-grandmother. Taking her lead after she wrote a cookbook for our family, I proposed that the youth of NSBA publish a cookbook as a fundraiser. The project will be a collaboration of favorite recipes from people in our industry, as well as friends and family. Although this project has been in the works for quite some time, as the 2010 NSBA Youth President, I am vowing to complete it during my term. After sending an email to the NSBA judges for their submissions to the book, one recipe and the story behind it literally jumped off the page when I received it.
Enter Lisa Krohn, a well respected AQHA and NSBA judge whose love of horses was inspired by her father who rode while in the military. When his children got the horse bug, the dutiful father permitted each of them to take riding lessons which proved one by one to be a passing phase. That was until a determined seven year old Lisa took the reins and never looked back. We can all relate, right?
With a passion for AHSA (now USEF) hunters and jumpers, Lisa attended Lindenwood College in Missouri which had an Equestrian program. After learning that the school required that all boarded horses were to be used in the teaching program, Lisa decided to keep her beloved thoroughbred off-site. It was this chance decision that introduced her to American Quarter Horses. At Daniel Boone Arena, Lisa was given an opportunity to ride AQHA hunters for Jerry and Kraft Vohsen. She was immediately “hooked” on their “wonderful dispositions, quiet attitudes, and intelligence”. Graduating with a degree in biology, Lisa side-stepped her goal of working for Purina, and became a horse trainer.
Calling the decision to get her AQHA and NSBA judge’s cards in 1993 the “Smartest thing I have ever done,” Lisa found her motivation to apply for her cards as a result of “the state of the industry.” At the time, she felt that some judges were either not familiar with, or did not appear to have an interest in hunters and hack horses. With a background in hunters and jumpers, she felt that she could make a contribution with her knowledge. NSBA’s philosophy of slowly and humanely developing young horses also appealed to her senses. (No doubt she was pleased when NSBA added hunters to their class list recently?)
Lisa currently services as the Marketing Manager for the Hennepin Theatre Trust in Minnesota. I couldn’t help but wonder with a degree in biology, and a career as a horse professional, how she set on this additional path 16 years ago. Fondly referring to her brother, and mentor as “The best theater marketer on the planet,” he taught Lisa everything she knows about working in theater, promoting Broadway concerts, comedy and dance productions in Minneapolis. So Lisa Krohn spends her career working with celebrities? By now, I am totally impressed, but it gets better!
As a young person who loves and lives horses, has a competitive spirit, and dreams of a career in drama (who me?), I couldn’t help feeling inspired by Lisa, and wondering about her recipe for success. She wastes no time giving credit to her family who are all driven. With two brothers and a sister who are attorneys and a brother working in the field of psychology, why was I surprised when I got a recipe for the cookbook from Lisa that was labeled “Lindsey’s Banana Bread”? Because Lindsey is none other than, the Talented, the Accomplished, THE WINNING MACHINE, the “Vonn-derful” Olympic bound niece of Lisa Krohn! I am talking World Class Alpine Skier, Lindsey Vonn here who graces the coveted cover of Sports Illustrated! They are calling her “AMERICA’S BEST WOMAN SKIER EVER”!
With her bags packed for Vancouver, Lisa is bursting with pride about her niece’s upcoming Olympic bid. Although Lisa laughs that her potential competitive skiing career ended early with a broken leg getting on a chairlift, she is anxious to be fan number one for Lindsey in Vancouver. By now, my head is spinning about how this family does it.
Pictured here with aunt Lisa, Lindsey’s arrival in the world was in itself a miracle. Her mother (Lisa’s sister Linda), suffered a stroke when Lindsey was born. Fortunately, Linda realized a remarkable recovery, so it is no surprise that her daughter Lindsey is so determined. Lisa jokes that her sister, Linda is so competitive that she can’t even play a simple board game without going out of her way to win at any cost. Sounds like another mother I know…. (Love you Mom).
With a father who was on the US Ski Team, Lindsey showed her skills at the tender age of three, when she would fall on the slopes, and pick herself up again. Her youthful talent was proving to be far bigger than the small slopes of Minnesota could contain. After joining the US Ski Team in 2002, Lindsey almost instantly became an international force to be reckoned with.
I wanted to know Lindsey’s secrets to winning, how she focuses, deals with pressure, and how she stays so darned beautiful in those harsh elements. Aunt Lisa was quick to point out that “NO ONE” works harder at being in the best physical condition she can to handle the G forces experienced in downhill.” Vonnder Woman is so powerful that she is the only woman on tour who uses men’s skis! Can you imagine reaching forces of 75+mph on your two legs – not me? I’m not even allowed to drive 75 on 4 wheels – LOL!
So a lesson we can all apply here is dedication and commitment. Lindsey was quoted recently as saying “I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in. Mentally and physically prepared.” Even in the horse industry, there is no substitute for conditioning and hard work. Let’s all try to put this into perspective: Lindsey has over 30 World Cup victories!!! Translate that into world championships in the horse industry, and we can all relate that her record is staggering! Lindsey went on to add that in the face of loss “All you can do is stay focused” which “Comes from maturity. Having that mental strength is really important, not just for World Cup racing but also for the Olympics.” Feeling mentally exhausted and road weary after hauling for four consecutive AQHYA high point hunter under saddle titles, I truly feel reinvigorated after being inspired by this great role model, and her words of wisdom. There is no short-cut to success no matter what we set out to do!
And now for the secret ingredients…a super hot husband, Thomas who helps keep her mind occupied at the gates before a race. In the face of a recent disappointing loss which put a blemish in her previously undefeated downhill record this season, Lindsey credits Thomas with helping her put the loss in perspective. Vonn had been thrown off course after hitting a hole in the snow, but came back the following day declaring “revenge” on the hill, and finished on top in the Super G in Moritz. “It’s great to come back strong after a disappointing day,” she was quoted as saying. Another way Lindsey relieves pressure is to play a little brain game or two on the Nintendo DS. Now we’re talkin’ my language! She was also seen peeking at a TV to catch her friend Roger Federer playing tennis just before a major win.
I was very happy to learn that yes, Lindsey is an animal lover. Sadly, she has never had time to ride, but I would sure be first in line to teach her if she would trade for a ski lesson. Those ski outfits are so darned cute. And BTW, have you seen the team’s equestrian inspired uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren? There are definitely a few items on there to add to my GoHorseShow.com “Must Have” lists including the opening ceremony knit hat and “Create Your Own” polo shirt. Check it out and see for yourself.
Now for my favorite topic – Lindsey’s beauty secrets…
Lindsey is a huge fan of the Aveeno beauty line, who became one of her sponsors a few years ago. Lisa said she is generous about gifting a nice selection of Aveeno products to her family who are now huge fans too. Their company is known for great sunscreens, lotions, lip balm, and hair care. The best news is that I did a little research, and we can all try them for a limited time by going to the Aveeno website for a free sample.
Now, I’m calling out to GoHorseShow.com readers. Sounds like Lindsey can handle the Olympic pressure on her own, but the pressure is on you. PUHLEASE help me out with your favorite recipe and the story behind it for the NSBA Youth Cookbook so I can call it a wrap. Even busy Lindsey made a contribution, so you have no excuse? I promise it will be a great book that everyone will want to purchase. Drop me an email at Dakota@gohorseshow.com as soon as possible with as many recipes as you can spare along with the story behind them. In the meantime, I am going to offer a little teaser for my readers, and present to you with Lindsey’s contribution:
Lindsey’s Banana Bread (From Lindsey Vonn – top alpine skier in the world!)
Mix in big bowl:
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Dash of cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
Mix in small bowl:
• 4 – 5 brown bananas
• ¼ cup butter (optional)
• ½ cup cinnamon applesauce
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
Combine both bowls. Add desired amount of chocolate chips/chunks. Spray bread pan with non-stick spray. Bake 45 minutes – 1 hour at 350 degrees (check every 5 minutes after 45 minutes). Take out when brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Very healthy and delicious!
Hope y’all enjoy the recipe which is Lindsey’s own healthy, high fiber creation. No more whining about not getting a good meal at the horse shows. Globe-trotting Lindsey cooks and bakes herself, including while on tour for her husband, coaches, and technicians. Does her talent ever end?
As I position myself comfortably in the best seat in the house next to the fireplace with my Chi’s to watch the Olympic Games, let’s give Lindsey a HUGE GoHorseShow.com send-off as she represents the US at the Vancouver Games in all five of the Ladies Alpine events:
Super Combined (Downhill and Slalom) on Feb 14
Downhill on Feb 17
Super G on Feb 20
Giant Slalom on Feb 24
Slalom on Feb 26
I want to wrap this up by giving a very special thanks to Lisa Krohn for the amazing access she provided into her incredible family’s life as I wrote this article. She has also promised to give us behind the scenes updates from some of the Olympic events and parties. (What I wouldn’t give to be at that Red Bull party, Lisa – LOL!) Lisa is looking forward to getting in some quality skiing while in Vancouver with her son. Cody is ten years young, and the newest generation of this over-achieving clan. Already a successful athlete, Lisa keeps busy chasing Cody between traveling basketball, two baseball teams, football, skiing, horses, golf and water skiing. Phew, I’m worn out and need to take a nap. I guess if I want to try to keep up with Lisa’s family, I’d better hit the elliptical instead!
Do you have a great story line? Drop me an email, and I’ll do my best to cover it!
Update: It was announced 2/10/10 that Lindsey Vonn has sustained a serious and “excruciatingly painful” deep muscle bruise to her shin which was suffered in a training run last week. Although she has had fluid drained from the area, she is unable under Olympic rules to take injections to the site. While she is permitted to take pain medications, the pressure from the injury against her boot has left her feeling uncertain about her ability to train and race. The champion she is, Lindsey will attempt training runs later in the week with guarded optimism. “I have to play it by ear and see how it feels and take it day to day and just keep doing therapy and hope it gets better.” Let’s all keep Lindsey in our prayers. Please feel free to post your best wishes to her in our comment section.
Note from Aunt Lisa:
Dakota – I’m not counting Lindsey out since she’s such a fierce competitor. I can’t imagine there isn’t some way to numb it temporarily so she can ski with limited pain. We’ll see, but thankfully it wasn’t more serious that it appears to be.
Go Lindsey, Go Lindsey, Go Lindsey, Go Lindsey, Go Lindsey….. From your new friends and fans at: GOHORSESHOW.COM
