(Getty)Lindsey Vonn, the skier who made a splash after winning alpine skiing gold at the Vancouver Olympics, found out she owes the government $1,700,000 in back taxes for the year she won that gold. According to the Detroit News, the IRS filed a $1,705,437 tax lien against Vonn and her estranged husband Thomas Vonn on April 2 with the Elko County Recorder in Nevada.
She is in the middle of a divorce with Thomas, the man who was once her coach and mentor. She released a statement on her Facebook page promising to pay what she owed.
I am disappointed with this situation. I just recently became aware of the outstanding balance and I have done everything in my power to settle it immediately. The money owed was for the 2010 tax year, which was filed on time, and it has been paid in full. This is an important lesson for me. Not being in control of my finances and relying on someone else who you believed had your best interest at heart was a mistake and one I will not make twice.
Vonn made money from winning World Cup races and several endorsements, including Under Armour, Rolex, and Procter and Gamble.
Despite her personal troubles, Vonn had a banner year on the slopes. She won her 50th individual World Cup race, and took the overall World Cup title by finishing first in the super G, downhill and combined races.
She also made headlines for "Tebowing" in honor of her friend, NFL star Tim Tebow, after a race. Vonn also won over the heart of a young fan by agreeing to accompany him to the prom.
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