Vail, CO – Champion ski racer Lindsey Vonn and her husband confirmed on Sunday that they are seeking to end their four-year marriage.

Lindsey Vonn, née Kildow, married former U.S. Ski Team racer Thomas Vonn, nine years her senior, in September 2007. In addition to fulfilling his role as husband, Thomas Vonn has acted as Lindsey Vonn’s manager, coordinating interviews with media and providing technical advice, allowing Lindsey Vonn to focus on skiing.

“It is with great sadness that I announce that Thomas and I have begun divorce proceedings,” Lindsey Vonn said in a statement provided Sunday night to several media outlets. “This is an extremely difficult time in my personal life and I hope the media and my fans can respect my need for privacy on this matter. I will continue to be coached by the U.S. Ski Team and look forward to competing the rest of the season.”

In an email provided to the Associated Press on Sunday, Thomas Vonn confirmed that he filed for divorce a week ago.

Lindsey Vonn opted to sit out Sunday’s slalom at the Aspen Winternational World Cup stop in Colorado to rest a sore back injured in training. She will return to the race course this week for speed events in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.