Lindsey Vonn, 41, notches first World Cup downhill win since 2018

Lindsey Vonn’s Remarkable Comeback: A Historic Win in St. Moritz

In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Lindsey Vonn clinched a remarkable victory at her 125th career World Cup downhill start in St. Moritz, Switzerland. This victory, 24 years after her debut and eight years following her last major win, signals not just a return but a potential reign in downhill skiing as she gears up for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February. Vonn, now 41, defied expectations with her exceptional performance, proving that she is back in contention just six weeks after declaring to The Times that she had "nothing to prove."

Vonn’s comeback bears similarities to the legendary Michael Jordan, who returned to basketball after retirement. Vonn expressed, “I’ve already succeeded. I was on the podium. I have the record for the oldest medalist in World Cup by seven years,” emphasizing her already stellar career. Beyond her powerful stats—83 World Cup victories across disciplines—Vonn is also the only American woman to have won an Olympic gold medal in downhill skiing, a feat she achieved during the 2010 Vancouver Games. With Brignone sidelined due to injury, Vonn’s achievement not only cements her status as a pioneer but also highlights her enduring talent on the slopes.

On race day, Vonn emerged triumphantly, finishing 1.16 seconds ahead of Austria’s Mirjam Puchner despite initially trailing. Her tenacity shone through as she clocked the fastest time in the bottom half of the course, reaching speeds of 74 mph and completing the run in 1 minute, 29.63 seconds. It was a breathtaking moment when she raised her arms in celebration after seeing her time, imitating Steph Curry’s well-known gesture in an expression of joy. Such exuberance showcases Vonn’s enduring spirit and connection with her fans, further enriching her legacy.

“Emotional” and “amazing” were the words Vonn used to describe her victory as she reflected on her training and preparation. She attributed her success to her dedicated team, including new coach Aksel Lund Svindal, himself a 36-time World Cup victor. Vonn acknowledged their hard work in fine-tuning her skiing skills and equipment, stating, “I knew I was skiing fast, but you never know until the first race." With a vibrant energy and sharp focus, Vonn appears ready to continue her winning streak.

Vonn’s racing strategy was equally compelling. “I just need to ski the pitch really clean and carry my speed down,” she explained, illustrating her calculated approach to the race. Acknowledging minor mistakes in her run, she expressed enthusiasm for her potential in upcoming races. With another downhill event scheduled for Saturday and a super-G on Sunday, Vonn’s win sets a promising tone for the rest of her comeback season.

As Vonn continues her ascent back to the pinnacle of alpine skiing, her recent victory not only rekindles her status as a champion but also serves as an inspiration. By proving that age is just a number in sports, she encourages athletes of all ages to pursue their dreams. As the upcoming Olympics loom, all eyes will be on Vonn, eager to see if she can secure her legacy as one of the all-time greats in alpine skiing.