Lindsey Vonn: Tiger Woods inspired my recovery as I did his

Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn have had tough years. Both have faced recoveries from injuries that have kept them out of their respective sport’s biggest events.

For Vonn, a blown-out knee kept her from competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics. For Woods, back surgery cost him starts at The Masters and U.S. Open, while a reaggravation of the injury cost him any chance of being competitive at the PGA Championship.

However, both start their comeback bids this week, with Woods returning to his 18-player Hero World Challenge in Orlando, while Vonn will ski in Canada at a World Cup event.

In an interview with CNN, Vonn said she believes the couple inspired each other through times so dark, Woods said earlier in the year he wondered if he’d ever be able to compete again.

“Tiger and I both went through rehab with our injuries at a similar time, so we were both in the gym together and pushing each other and motivating each other, both frustrated,” Vonn said. “I think we both helped each other a lot through that time, and I drew a lot of inspiration from him and I think he does the same with me.”

The world will start to get a sense of how healthy Woods is this week, as well what he might be changing in his swing with new “consultant” Chris Como.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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