At a Glance
- Lindsey Vonn, 41, wins her second World Cup downhill in four races this season
- Vonn extends record as oldest race winner in 60-season World Cup history
- Five U.S. women finish in top 20 of shortened downhill
Why it matters: Vonn’s remarkable comeback from knee reconstruction signals Olympic gold potential
Lindsey Vonn continues her remarkable comeback at age 41, winning her second World Cup downhill in four races this season. The victory comes just months after reconstructive surgery on her right knee with titanium implants.
Saturday’s Victory
Vonn dominated the shortened downhill course, completing it in under 67 seconds while reaching speeds of 130 kph. She finished 0.37 seconds ahead of Kajsa Vickhoff Lie in overcast conditions.
The victory extends Vonn’s records:
- 84th career World Cup win
- 45th downhill victory
- Oldest race winner in World Cup history
Looking Ahead
Vonn’s performance positions her as a strong contender for the Milan Cortina Olympics gold medal race on February 8. The storied Cortina d’Ampezzo slope has been favorable throughout her career.
| Athlete | Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|
| Vonn | 1st | 0.00 |
| Vickhoff Lie | 2nd | +0.37 |
| Wiles | 3rd | +0.48 |
Jacqueline Wiles reflected on their podium finish:
> “Being on the podium again with her is super special.”
Key Takeaways
- Vonn leads season-long World Cup downhill standings by 129 points
- Five U.S. women finished in top 20
- Next race: Sunday super-G on longer course
- Vonn chasing ninth downhill season title
The 41-year-old continues defying expectations with each victory, making her Olympic gold favorite status undeniable.
