Lindsey Vonn Wins First World Cup Downhill Title Since 2018
After a five-year hiatus and several surgeries, Lindsey Vonn has made a remarkable return to competitive skiing. The 41-year-old American skier recorded her first victory in nearly eight years, claiming the World Cup downhill title at St. Moritz, Switzerland, on December 12, 2025.
Lindsey Vonn’s Stunning Comeback
Vonn’s win marks a significant milestone as it is her first since March 2018. This victory comes during her comeback season, enhanced by titanium implants in her right knee. She managed to finish 1.16 seconds ahead of Austria’s Mirjam Puchner, securing a dominant lead.
Race Details
During the race, Vonn initially trailed by 0.61 seconds after the first two time checks. However, she surged ahead, reaching speeds of 74 mph on the sunlit Corviglia course, finishing well ahead of her competitors. Notably, Magdalena Egger took second place, taking Puchner by surprise.
Emotional Victory
- Vonn expressed her emotional state, stating, “It was an amazing day. I couldn’t be happier.”
- She shed tears of joy while the Star-Spangled Banner played, highlighting her emotional connection to the moment.
- This victory serves as a promising start to her campaign for another gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
Coaching and Future Goals
This win also signals the potential success of Vonn’s new partnership with coach Aksel Lund Svindal, a former Olympic champion himself. Vonn is optimistic about her performance this Olympic season, indicating that her preparations have positioned her favorably for future competitions.
Career Achievements
As of her latest triumph, Vonn has amassed a total of 125 World Cup downhill starts, with 44 wins in this discipline alone. Her achievements include:
- 83 overall World Cup race victories.
- 12 wins at the prestigious Cortina d’Ampezzo course, where the upcoming Winter Games will take place.
- A gold medal in downhill at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010.
Injury Effects on Competition
The race was also notable due to the absence of several top competitors affected by injuries. Notable absences included:
- Federica Brignone
- Lara Gut-Behrami
- Corinne Suter
- Lauren Macuga
In light of these injuries, Vonn’s return to form is particularly impressive, emphasizing her resilience and determination in the sport of skiing.
Overall, Lindsey Vonn’s victory at St. Moritz represents not just a personal triumph but also a significant moment in the Alpine skiing world as she aims for more success in her storied career.
