Lindsey Vonn doesn't know what she has brought out in Tiger Woods, but she does know what Tiger has brought out in her.
The New York Daily News reports in the February issue of Self magazine that Vonn, the 2010 Olympic downhill skiing gold medalist, views her life at a high point during the past year, thanks to her relationship with Woods and her diagnosis of depression, which has allowed her to control with medication.
That's saying a lot, considering that she is missing the 2014 Winter Olympics because of a knee injury she suffered while training.
"I have sad days, but they're rare and the lows aren't as low," she said. "(This past year), I've been the happiest I've ever been."
Woods has taught her the value of patience, which she says she lacked before meeting him.
"He's helped me stay patient through rehab," Vonn said to SELF, as reported by Golf.com. "Golf is all about patience - one tournament is four days long, 18 holes a day. He helped me take it one day at a time. I'd say, 'Why can't I do this? I want to!' And he'd say, 'You'll get your chance. It will come."
She says she and Tiger are "good for each other" but couldn't be as specific about her effect on his life.
"I don't know what he's learned from me, to be honest," Vonn said.
Vonn divorced her husband and former coach, Thomas Vonn, in January of 2013. The 29-year-old revealed she'd been dating him since she was 18 and was not confident she could live alone.
But I found out I am," she said. "Now I'm in charge of my whole life. It's terrifying - and exciting. It gave me a lot more self-confidence and a greater sense of self-worth."
Through that strength, she has found an identity beyond her athletic career, which has helped sustain her spirits in sitting out the Sochi Olympics.
"A part of me is missing when I can't ski," she admitted. "But I've learned there's more to define me and make me happy."
And Woods has a prominent role in that happiness.
"We push each other and help each other when we're down," Vonn said.
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