Olympic ski champion Lindsey Vonn and golf great Tiger Woods confirmed Monday in simultaneous Facebook announcements that they are dating, acknowledging a widely rumored relationship that makes them the most accomplished sports couple on the planet.

"I guess it wasn't a well-kept secret but yes, I am dating Tiger Woods," Vonn, who grew up and trained on the ski slopes of the Twin Cities, said in a posting on her Facebook page. "Our relationship evolved from a friendship into something more over these past few months and it has made me very happy."

Vonn, 28, added that she intends to say nothing more about their relationship "as I would like to keep that part of my life between us, my family and close friends. Thank you for understanding and your continued support!"

She then signed the message "xo LV."

Woods on his Facebook page also put up several photos of him with Vonn, which were accompanied by this posting:

"Something nice that's happened off the course was meeting Lindsey Vonn. Lindsey and I have been friends for some time, but over the last few months we have become very close and are now dating. We thank you for your support and for respecting our privacy."

And wrapping up with a wish that is a long shot to come true, Woods added: "We want to continue our relationship, privately, as an ordinary couple ..."

Their Facebook messages include photos of the four-time overall World Cup ski champion and the 37-year-old Woods together and smiling in a relaxed portrait-style of photography.

Vonn, newly divorced, is recovering after shredding knee ligaments and breaking a bone at the world championships in Schladming, Austria. Woods, whose marriage to Elin Nordegren ended in 2010 because of his sexual relationships with many women, is trying to regain the form that made him the world's best golfer and the face of the sport for one year after another.

The latest world ranking places Woods No. 2 behind Rory McIlroy. Woods' Facebook posting about his personal life also noted that "this season has been great so far and I'm happy with my wins at Torrey and Doral."

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482