Lindsey Vonn, 41, Secures First World Cup Downhill Win in 8 Years

Lindsey Vonn made a remarkable return to the World Cup circuit, winning a downhill race in St. Moritz on December 12, 2025. At 41 years old, this victory marks her first in nearly eight years, a significant achievement following her retirement from the sport and subsequent comeback. Vonn had undergone surgery to install titanium implants in her right knee. This comeback adds an impressive chapter to her already storied career.

Lindsey Vonn’s Stunning Performance

In a stunning performance, Vonn finished 1.16 seconds ahead of Austria’s Mirjam Puchner. Although she started off slower, trailing by 0.61 seconds in the first time checks, she surged ahead in the latter part of the race. Her victory is particularly notable as several top competitors, including Federica Brignone, Lara Gut-Behrami, and Olympic champion Corinne Suter, were absent due to injuries.

Emotional Victory

Future Aspirations

Lindsey Vonn aims for another Olympic gold at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games in February 2026. She has previously dominated the Cortina d’Ampezzo course, amassing 12 World Cup race victories there. “If this is how we start, I think I’m in a good spot,” she remarked, indicating her optimism for future races.

Legacy of Success

This race marked Vonn’s 125th start in World Cup downhill skiing, adding to her record of 44 victories in this discipline—a feat unmatched by any other competitor. Throughout her career, she has achieved a total of 83 race victories across all alpine skiing disciplines. Vonn’s achievements make her a significant figure in the sport, with more World Cup wins in downhill than all other racers combined.

Recent Challenges in the Sport

• Vonn’s return to racing comes amidst injuries to major competitors, including:
• Federica Brignone
• Lara Gut-Behrami
• Corinne Suter
• Lauren Macuga

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Michelle Gisin also withdrew from competition due to a recent back surgery. Vonn expressed her sympathy for Gisin, stating, “I feel so sorry for Michelle, but that’s ski racing.” This sentiment highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport, especially as athletes face numerous hurdles throughout their careers.

As she prepares for upcoming events, Vonn’s continued passion and skill reaffirm her status as a leading figure in alpine skiing. Her victory in St. Moritz is just the beginning of what she hopes will be a triumphant comeback season.