Lindsey Vonn admits she doesn't know where she would be without boyfriend Tiger Woods.

Forced to sit out the ongoing Sochi Olympics with a knee injury, the 29-year-old Vonn told USA TODAY Sports "he taught me to stay calm, to stay patient. Focus on one step at a time."

Vonn, who has now been publicly dating the world's top rated golfer for over a year later added "I'm very instinctual, I like to do things right now. I'm very aggressive. Trying to stay positive is not the easiest thing in the world."

Vonn tore ligaments in her right knee just weeks ago, rendering her unable to defend her Olympic downhill gold medal. She's expected to be sidelined for at least several more months.

Still, Vonn has circled her calendar for next year's skiing world championships in her hometown of Vail, Co.

"Since I made the decision to not compete in Sochi, I've been frustrated," she told USA TODAY. "I'm just focused on the next goal, trying not to think about the fact that I'm not there. I'm just focused on the fact that I will be."

Vonn is working The Games as part of the NBC Sports coverage team.