Lindsey Vonn, the queen of downhill skiing, returned to the World Cup podium with a blistering win on Friday, marking her first victory in nearly eight years.
The 41‑year‑old U.S. star carried titanium implants in her right knee, a reminder of the surgery that followed a five‑year retirement.
Her run on the sun‑bathed Corviglia course in Switzerland saw her seize the lead by a staggering 1.16 seconds over Austria’s Mirjam Puchner, after trailing by 0.61 seconds following the first two time checks.
Vonn’s advantage narrowed to 0.98 seconds when teammate Magdalena Egger claimed second place, yet the German‑born skier still held the top spot.
After the finish she bumped into the inflated safety barrier, lay in the snow, then raised her arms upon seeing her time.
She later said, “It was an amazing day, I couldn’t be happier, pretty emotional,” Vonn told Swiss broadcaster RTS, adding, “I felt good this summer but I wasn’t sure how fast I was. I guess I know now how fast I am.”
Her speed record was clear: she touched 74 mph during the second half of the run and posted the fastest time splits for the bottom section of the course.
The finish line sits above 6,500 feet, adding altitude to the challenge that Vonn overcame with confidence.
This victory also represents a perfect start to her Olympic season, as it is her first win since a downhill in March 2018 at Are, Sweden.
The result is a testament to her new partnership with coach Aksel Lund Svindal, a former men’s downhill champion who won the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic title.
Vonn said, “Obviously my goal is Cortina, but if this is the way we start, I think I’m in a good spot,” said Vonn, who will be favored for another downhill win Saturday at St. Moritz.
Friday’s race marked Vonn’s 125th start in World Cup downhill, 24 years after her debut at Lake Louise, Canada.
She now holds a record‑extending 44 downhill victories, including a 2012 win at St. Moritz, and has 83 race wins across all World Cup disciplines.
Her career highlights also feature a 2010 Olympic gold in Vancouver, a 2009 World Championship title at Val d’Isère, and a bronze medal in downhill at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
With 100 days remaining until the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Winter Games, Vonn’s return is shaping up to be a historic chapter in Olympic alpine skiing.
The 2026 Games will host women’s alpine events at the storied Cortina d’Ampezzo course in the Dolomites, a venue Vonn has mastered throughout her career.
Her ambition to secure another Olympic gold at Cortina has been reinforced by her recent form, and she remains a top contender for the downhill title.
The combination of experience, speed, and renewed confidence suggests that Vonn could finish the season on a high note before the Olympic campaign.
Her comeback, underscored by titanium knee implants and a five‑year retirement, showcases the resilience that has defined her legacy.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, fans and analysts alike will watch whether Vonn can translate her World Cup success into Olympic glory.
Key Takeaways
- Lindsey Vonn wins first World Cup downhill in eight years.
- Record‑extending 44 downhill victories, 83 total World Cup wins.
- She is targeting gold at 2026 Milan‑Cortina Games.
Vonn’s triumphant return demonstrates that age and injury need not halt a skier’s pursuit of excellence, and her sights remain firmly set on Olympic glory.
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