Lindsey Vonn’s Remarkable Return to World Cup Downhill Racing
In a thrilling return to the slopes, Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American skier, made a stunning comeback in her first World Cup downhill race in six years. The event took place on a crisp Saturday morning in St. Anton, Austria, where Vonn showcased her enduring prowess and competitive spirit.
At 40 years old, Vonn remains a formidable force in the world of skiing. Known as the greatest downhill racer in women’s World Cup history, she demonstrated her skill and speed by clocking an impressive 77 mph in the initial segment of the course. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she finished just 0.58 seconds behind the race leader, Federica Brignone of Italy.
As Vonn crossed the finish line, she raised her arms triumphantly and beamed with a wide smile, initially securing the fifth fastest time. However, the excitement didn’t end there. In a surprising twist, Malorie Blanc, a 21-year-old Swiss skier making her World Cup downhill debut, surged into second place, pushing Vonn to sixth. Blanc, who was not even born when Vonn began her illustrious World Cup career, finished a mere 0.07 seconds behind Brignone.
This race marked the second event in Vonn’s unexpected comeback, a journey made possible by the titanium knee she received during surgery last year. Just three weeks prior, she had competed in a super-G event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where she placed 14th.
Vonn’s illustrious career boasts a record 43 downhill victories among her 82 World Cup wins. Her last World Cup downhill race was in January 2019, where she finished ninth at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Interestingly, this Italian course is set to host races next weekend and will serve as the venue for women’s Alpine races in the 2026 Olympics.
The conditions in St. Anton were picture-perfect for skiing, with clear skies and temperatures at a brisk 18 degrees. The Karl Schranz course, however, was shortened to 1.2 miles due to heavy snowfall following Thursday’s training run. Despite these adjustments, the race was a thrilling spectacle for fans and competitors alike.
Looking ahead, a super-G race is scheduled for Sunday, promising more excitement and competition. Vonn’s return to the World Cup circuit has undoubtedly reignited interest and enthusiasm in the sport, as fans eagerly anticipate her next performance.
- Key Highlights:
- Lindsey Vonn finishes sixth in her first World Cup downhill race in six years.
- Vonn reached speeds of 77 mph and was 0.58 seconds behind the leader, Federica Brignone.
- Malorie Blanc, a 21-year-old Swiss skier, made a stunning debut, finishing second.
- Vonn’s comeback is supported by a titanium knee from surgery last year.
- Her last World Cup downhill race was in January 2019 at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
As the skiing world watches Vonn’s remarkable return, her story continues to inspire both seasoned athletes and aspiring skiers. Her determination and resilience serve as a testament to her enduring legacy in the sport.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
