BREAKING: Lindsey Vonn has just claimed her second victory of the season in the women’s World Cup downhill in Zauchensee, Austria, delivering an impressive performance amid challenging conditions. Vonn clocked a time of 1 minute, 6.24 seconds, solidifying her status as a dominant force in alpine skiing once again.
Vonn’s remarkable comeback from retirement continues to astound fans and competitors alike. “I mean honestly not in downhill,” Vonn admitted during her NBC interview after the race. “But when I got to the races in St. Moritz, everything was working really well right from the start.” This latest win marks her 84th career victory, moving her closer to the all-time record.
In a race limited by snowfall, athletes faced a shortened course that forced them to adapt quickly. Vonn, who initially struggled with the conditions during training, utilized her extensive experience to navigate the 27 gates effectively. She started the race with the eighth-fastest split but surged ahead, overtaking Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie to take the lead by the third sector.
Vonn’s victory was not just about speed; it was also a testament to her technical skills. “I knew what it was going to take to win today,” she stated. “Definitely had to risk a little bit in the line, and I think it paid off.” Her poise at the finish line, marked by a determined fist pump rather than a smile, showcased her fierce competitive spirit.
The 41-year-old athlete’s journey back to the top has been remarkable. After retiring in 2019, Vonn returned to the circuit following successful knee surgery in 2024. This season, she has already secured a win in St. Moritz on December 12 and a third-place finish in Val d’Isere, France. With her latest performance, she leads the downhill standings with 340 points, significantly ahead of her competitors.
American skiers Jacqueline Wiles and Breezy Johnson also made headlines, with Wiles finishing third, marking only her fourth career podium, and Johnson placing seventh. Vonn’s victory highlights the ongoing competitive spirit of U.S. women in alpine skiing, which continues to inspire fans around the globe.
Looking ahead, the speed weekend continues with a super-G race scheduled for Sunday, promising more thrilling action as Vonn aims to extend her lead in the overall standings.
As the excitement builds for the next event, fans are encouraged to stay tuned as Vonn pursues her 45th downhill win, a record that further cements her legacy in the sport.
