I dated in my youth one who made the US Team in S, GS, and Super GS. Then just like Vonn, took a hit and ruined a hip. Career over.
In my youth, I took a bronze in an S at Aspen, however, never pursued a career in the sport. Gates, I hate gates...I love ski patrol....Catch me if you can...And then, I took a hit, knee fracture. However, before that my local spot was Mammoth, dropped into the cornice chute with my 203 Rossies, bindings tightened to the max and hit 60 mph + and GS and kick up snow to all the idiots sitting at the bottom.
I've done enough helicopters and spread eagles on a 50 foot high launch.
My last ski was Taos, my knees won't hold me up anymore. I can a half day, I will, I will pound gun barrel at Heavenly, ski the bunnies with the daughter at Squaw. But I can only last a few runs, as I go hard. Too old!