Lindsey Vonn Secures Second Place at St. Moritz World Cup

Lindsey Vonn made a remarkable return to the podium on Saturday, competing in a thrilling World Cup downhill race in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Finishing just 0.24 seconds behind, Vonn’s performance showcased her resilience and competitive spirit.

A Thrilling Race Result

Just a day after she became the oldest winner of a World Cup downhill event, Vonn’s second-place finish underscores her status as an elite athlete. At 41 years old, she remains a formidable presence on the slopes. During Friday’s race, Vonn triumphantly crossed the finish line almost a full second ahead of her competitors, but this time, she was edged out by Emma Aicher from Germany, who recorded the day’s fastest time.

The Race Experience

Vonn’s performance was marked by a moment of struggle that contributed to the narrow time gap. She revealed that while she had a strong start, a mistake mid-run caused her to lose her balance. “I was just out of balance, I fell on my hip,” Vonn explained to Swiss broadcaster RTS. Despite this setback, she confirmed she was satisfied with her overall skiing.

In third place was Sofia Goggia, the Italian Olympic champion from 2018, trailing Vonn by just 0.29 seconds. American skier Breezy Johnson followed closely behind, finishing fourth, 0.40 seconds off the pace.

The Competitive Edge

Vonn’s presence in the competition comes as she prepares for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. During her run down the sunlit Corviglia course, she initially claimed the lead, but Aicher quickly surpassed her time. This recent race is particularly significant as it marks Vonn’s return to competitive skiing after nearly six years away from the sport, following a partial knee replacement surgery.

Vonn candidly stated that she “never thought” she would return to Olympic discussions, yet simply qualifying for the games feels like a significant victory in itself. “I’m at a disadvantage at 40, soon to be 41, but my skiing has improved, and I feel more competitive now than in the latter part of my career,” she asserted.

A Record-Setting Comeback

As Vonn continues to build her legacy in the sport, her results are suggesting a strong potential for medals at the Olympics, particularly in Cortina d’Ampezzo—where she has previously secured 12 World Cup victories. During her run, she clocked a top speed of 64 mph early on and reached 68 mph by the end, even soaring an impressive 41 yards off a jump.

This race in St. Moritz was significant for several reasons. Not only was it Vonn’s 140th podium appearance, but it also came during her 410th World Cup race, setting a new record previously held by Austria’s Renate Götschl.

The Next Challenge

Looking ahead, Vonn is planning to compete again in St. Moritz on Sunday in a super-G event, where she will face off against notable athletes, including fellow American star Mikaela Shiffrin. As Shiffrin has not been focused on downhill racing, Vonn’s competitive edge in this upcoming event is highly anticipated.

Emma Aicher’s impressive win marks her third World Cup victory and her second in downhill, making her a versatile skier capable of excelling across multiple disciplines—akin to Vonn’s dominance during her prime.

As the competitive season evolves, Vonn’s ongoing journey not only captivates her loyal fans but also cements her legacy in women’s alpine skiing, inspiring both seasoned competitors and newcomers alike.