American alpine skiing star Lindsey Vonn made headlines this weekend by winning her 83rd World Cup race. At 41 years old, she became the oldest woman to achieve this milestone, securing her victory at St. Moritz, Switzerland. This win marks a significant moment as she prepares for the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Lindsey Vonn’s Historic Win
Competing in her first downhill race of the season, Vonn started in 17th position and overcame a slow beginning. She finished the race in 1 minute, 29.63 seconds, proving she is still a formidable competitor. Her performance left her rivals trailing, with Austrian skier Magdalena Egger finishing nearly one second behind in second place. Mirjam Puchner also from Austria, secured third place.
Race Highlights
- Date of victory: Recent Friday.
- Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland.
- Winning time: 1:29.63.
- Age: 41, making her the oldest woman to win a World Cup race.
- Major competitors: Egger (2nd, -0.98 seconds), Puchner (3rd, -1.16 seconds).
After her victorious run, Vonn expressed her excitement at improving her skiing. She attributed her win to hard work and the guidance of her new coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, a former World Cup champion. Vonn hopes to leverage this momentum for future races, including a super-G event scheduled for Sunday.
Road to the 2026 Olympics
With the 2026 Olympics approaching, Vonn’s recent performances have positioned her as a strong contender for a medal. Her recent success comes after a significant hiatus from competitive skiing, from her retirement in 2019 due to injuries to her comeback a year ago.
Background and Comeback
- Retired from skiing in 2019.
- Underwent knee replacement surgery in 2024.
- Returned to World Cup racing in December 2023.
- Had a second-place finish last season in super-G at the World Cup finals.
- Now has two podium finishes this season, including one win.
The next competitive skiing event is on February 8 at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, an event Vonn is looking forward to eagerly. Her historic win demonstrates both her tenacity and skill as she eyes more accomplishments before her final retirement.
Looking Ahead
As Vonn continues her quest for Olympic glory, her recent victories serve as an inspiration to many. Her legacy as the winningest women’s alpine skier includes 83 World Cup wins, second only to Mikaela Shiffrin’s 104. With this remarkable comeback and the support of her team, Vonn has proven she is still a name to watch in the skiing world.
