Lindsey Vonn once again demonstrated her prowess as a top downhill racer in the current Olympic season during the latest World Cup event. Securing her second downhill victory in just four races this season, Vonn’s remarkable comeback at the age of 41, following a knee reconstruction with titanium implants, continues to impress.
Claiming the top spot by a margin of 0.37 seconds over Kajsa Vickhoff Lie under challenging overcast conditions in Zauchensee, Austria, Vonn’s excitement was palpable as she cheered on her teammate Jacqueline Wiles, who finished in third place, 0.48 seconds behind. Despite the shortened course that she completed in less than 67 seconds, Vonn reached speeds of 130 kph, marking one of the fastest performances by any female racer this season.
Expressing her elation, Vonn remarked, “It feels amazing. I try to enjoy every single second I am out here because it is just so fun to go fast.” Her determined satisfaction was evident as she crossed the finish line, celebrating with a triumphant fist pump and nods of approval.
Vonn shared her strategic approach, stating, “I knew what it was going to take to win today. It was a sprint, and I had to give it everything I had, definitely had to risk a little bit.”
With each triumph, Vonn continues to solidify her position as the oldest race winner in the 60-season history of the World Cup circuit. Her recent victory, the 84th of her career on the circuit and her 45th in downhill, further cements her legacy in the sport.
Looking ahead to the Milan Cortina Olympics scheduled for February 8, where she is a strong contender, Vonn’s standout performances on the Cortina d’Ampezzo slope have been noteworthy throughout her career. The camaraderie with her teammate Wiles, who also excelled in Cortina d’Ampezzo previously, added to the special moment for both athletes.
Despite formidable competition, including the 2018 Olympic champion Sofia Goggia and defending Olympic champion Corinne Suter, Vonn’s dominance in the World Cup downhill standings remains unchallenged. Following a delayed race due to an injury to Magdalena Egger, Vonn further solidified her lead in the season-long standings, positioning herself for a potential ninth World Cup downhill season title.
Reflecting on her performance, Vonn mentioned, “I felt like I was skiing better in super-G this summer, but when I got to the races in St Moritz, everything was working really well right from the start.” Looking ahead, she is set to compete in the upcoming super-G event, offering another opportunity to showcase her exceptional skills on a longer course.