Vonn won’t back down

JEONGSEON — Lindsey Vonn is not planning to stop saying what she thinks, no matter what attacks folks might send her way via social media.

“That’s what bullies want you to do: They want to defeat you. And I’m not defeated.

“I’m the same. I stand by my values.

“And I’m not going to back down,” the 33-year-old American said Monday after turning in the third-fastest downhill training run.

“I may not be as vocal right now with my opinions, but that doesn’t mean that they’ve won, you know?

“I haven’t changed my mind.” Vonn, the 2010 Olympic downhill champion and owner of four overall World Cup titles, drew plenty of attention when she told CNN in an interview that aired in December that she would “absolutely not” visit the White House if the U.S. Olympic team is invited after the Winter Games.

“I want to represent our country well,” she said then.

“I don’t think that there are a lot of people currently in our government that do that.”

Later, she stood by what she said and told reporters at a World Cup race:

“I was asked my opinion and I gave it. I mean, it’s not necessarily my place to be sticking my nose in politics, but as an athlete, I do have a voice.”

When Vonn finished tied for sixth in her first event in South Korea, the super-G on Saturday, there were more hot takes on Twitter.

“Definitely, before the race I don’t go on social media. I may post something, but I don’t look at anything,” Vonn said Monday at Jeongseon Alpine Center, where the downhill race is scheduled for Wednesday. She said she isn’t letting nasty comments stop her enjoying the Games.