ST. MORITZ, Switzerland — The queen of downhill skiing is well and truly back.
Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American ski racer, has made an exhilarating return to the slopes with an outstanding victory in a World Cup downhill event. Racing her way to an impressive win on Friday, Vonn not only claimed her first triumph since 2018 but did so after a significant five-year retirement during which she underwent surgery on her right knee, receiving titanium implants.
At 41, Vonn delivered an electrifying performance, clinching victory with a staggering lead of 1.16 seconds over Austria’s Mirjam Puchner. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the fact that she found herself trailing by 0.61 seconds after the initial two time checks, showcasing her tenacity and determination to reclaim her place at the top.
The competition became even more exhilarating as Vonn’s lead was slightly reduced to 0.98 seconds when unheralded skier Magdalena Egger grabbed second place from Puchner. Vonn expressed her emotions candidly in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RTS, stating, “It was an amazing day, I couldn’t be happier, pretty emotional. I felt good this summer but I wasn’t sure how fast I was. I guess I know now how fast I am.”
This resounding victory marks an outstanding beginning to her Olympic season, as it coincides with her first World Cup triumph since a downhill event in March 2018 at Are, Sweden. Under the guidance of her new coach, Aksel Lund Svindal—a legendary figure in men’s downhill skiing—it seems that the duo’s partnership is already bearing fruit.
On the slopes of the sunlit Corviglia course, where the finish line stands at an impressive altitude of over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), Vonn’s run appeared almost routine at first. However, her speed surged as she navigated through the course, reaching breathtaking speeds of 119 kph (74 mph) and logging the fastest time splits in the latter half of the race.
After crossing the finish line, Vonn collided with the inflated safety barrier, collapsing in the snow as exhilaration rushed through her. She raised her arms aloft, celebrating her remarkable time before cheering and punching the air in uncontainable joy—an image of sheer delight that encapsulates the spirit of competitive skiing.
Looking ahead, Vonn has set her sights on the Milan Cortina Winter Games scheduled for February, hoping to add another gold medal to her storied career. The Alpine skiing events will be hosted at the historic Cortina d’Ampezzo course, a venue where Vonn has achieved significant success throughout her career. “Obviously my goal is Cortina but if this is the way we start I think I’m in a good spot,” she remarked confidently, with eyes glimmering in anticipation of further victories.
This triumph signifies more than just a victory; it marks Vonn’s 125th World Cup downhill start—an impressive milestone in a career stretching back 24 years to her debut at Lake Louise, Canada. With a record-extending 44 downhill wins under her belt, including a previous win at St. Moritz in 2012, Vonn’s legacy continues to solidify her status as one of the greatest skiers of all time.
As Vonn embarks on this exciting chapter of her skiing career, fueled by past experiences and future aspirations, her journey stands as a testament to resilience, skill, and an unwavering spirit that inspires fans and athletes around the globe.