Lindsey Vonn Makes History, Wins Downhill Race at Age 41/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lindsey Vonn returned to the top of the podium Friday, winning a World Cup downhill at St. Moritz at age 41. The Olympic gold medalist claimed her first victory in nearly eight years, launching her 2026 comeback season. Racing after a five-year retirement and major knee surgery, Vonn is now a favorite for gold at Cortina.
Lindsey Vonn Comeback Quick Looks
- Vonn, 41, wins World Cup downhill at St. Moritz.
- Her first victory since 2018 and 44th career downhill win.
- Marks her comeback after five-year retirement and knee surgery.
- Beat Magdalena Egger by 0.98 seconds in a dominant performance.
- Vonn becomes the oldest female skier to win a World Cup downhill.
- Emotional podium moment as national anthem played.
- Partnering with new coach Aksel Lund Svindal for 2026 season.
- Targets Olympic gold at Cortina, a course she’s mastered.
- Reached 119 kph during her run, fastest on lower section.
- Win comes 24 years after her World Cup debut at Lake Louise.
Lindsey Vonn Makes History, Wins Downhill Race at Age 41
Deep Look
Lindsey Vonn, the legendary queen of downhill skiing, made history once again Friday by capturing a remarkable World Cup victory at age 41, kickstarting her comeback and Olympic campaign in unforgettable style.
Racing at St. Moritz, the site of many of her past triumphs, Vonn surged to her first win in nearly eight years, defeating a competitive field despite a five-year retirement and major knee surgery that had many doubting her return.
This wasn’t just any win. It was vintage Vonn — fast, fearless, and emotional.
“It was an amazing day, I couldn’t be happier,” Vonn told Swiss broadcaster RTS, holding back tears. “I felt good this summer but I wasn’t sure how fast I was. I guess I know now.”
Vonn’s winning margin — 0.98 seconds ahead of Austria’s Magdalena Egger — was massive by downhill standards. At one point early in her run, she was 0.61 seconds behind, but the second half of the course saw her rocket ahead, topping out at 119 kph (74 mph) on the lower section of the famed Corviglia slope.
After crossing the finish line, Vonn collapsed into the snow, overcome with emotion, then rose with a fist pump and a grin. Her victory celebration included a nod to NBA star Steph Curry’s “Night, night” gesture, a symbol that Vonn had just put the competition to bed.
Comeback at Its Peak
Friday’s race was Vonn’s 125th career World Cup downhill start and her 44th win in the discipline — a record that continues to grow. It also marked her 83rd World Cup win overall, placing her second only to Ingemar Stenmark in all-time career victories.
Even more remarkable: the win comes after her five-year retirement and a major comeback with titanium implants in her right knee. Vonn’s return wasn’t guaranteed — it was a challenge even she called “daunting” in interviews earlier this year. But with Aksel Lund Svindal, a former Olympic downhill champion himself, coaching her, Vonn’s comeback has transformed into one of the great stories in sports.
Their collaboration seems golden — literally. Vonn now sets her sights on the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, specifically the Cortina d’Ampezzo downhill course, where she has already won 12 World Cup races in her storied career.
“Obviously my goal is Cortina,” she said. “But if this is the way we start, I think I’m in a good spot.”
A Long Road Back
Vonn last won a World Cup downhill in March 2018 in Åre, Sweden, shortly after earning a bronze medal at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. That marked the fourth Olympics of her career, and she retired shortly after.
But the fire never fully went out.
Her return in 2025 was slow and careful, with critics questioning whether she could still compete at an elite level. Friday’s race answered those doubts emphatically.
Vonn started cautiously, trailing behind Austria’s Mirjam Puchner at the first two time checks. But from the midway point on, Vonn unleashed a level of speed and precision unmatched by anyone on the mountain.
By the finish, only Egger managed to close the gap slightly — Puchner slipped to third — but Vonn’s winning time stood untouched.
Legacy and Records
Vonn is no stranger to the podium or pressure. Her skiing résumé includes:
- Olympic Gold in Vancouver (2010)
- Olympic Bronze in Pyeongchang (2018)
- Two World Championship golds (2009)
- Four Overall World Cup Titles
- Record 44 Downhill Wins
Now, 24 years after her World Cup debut in Lake Louise (2001), she adds another historic chapter to a career filled with grit and glory.
Her success on Friday extended her own record for World Cup downhill wins. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) noted that no active female skier comes close — her tally of wins exceeds those of the other 60 racers combined who started Friday.
Missing Rivals, High Stakes
The race was also shaped by the absence of several major stars. Injuries have taken a toll this season, with top racers including:
- Federica Brignone (overall World Cup winner)
- Lara Gut-Behrami (Olympic medalist)
- Corinne Suter (Olympic champion)
- Lauren Macuga (emerging U.S. star)
All sidelined by injury.
In a scary moment earlier in the week, two-time Olympic gold medalist Michelle Gisin crashed in training and underwent back surgery on Thursday. She is expected to miss several weeks.
“I feel so sorry for Michelle, but that’s ski racing,” Vonn said after the race. “I’ve been there. I know what it takes to come back.”
Vonn herself is no stranger to injury, having overcome multiple surgeries, a shattered arm, and torn ligaments throughout her career. That resilience has only strengthened her legend.
Looking Ahead
Vonn will return to the slopes Saturday for a second downhill at St. Moritz, where she will again be the heavy favorite. Super-G follows on Sunday, another discipline where Vonn has long been dominant — and where she hinted she’s even more confident.
“The way I’m skiing super-G right now,” she said with a grin, “might surprise a few people.”
The road to Cortina 2026 is now officially underway — and Lindsey Vonn is not just along for the ride. She’s leading the charge.
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