Lindsey Vonn once again displayed her prowess as a top downhill racer in the current Olympic season. Securing her second World Cup downhill victory in just four races, Vonn, at 41 years old with a reconstructed right knee using titanium implants, is making a remarkable comeback.
In challenging overcast conditions at Zauchensee, Austria, Vonn outpaced Kajsa Vickhoff Lie by 0.37 seconds. Her teammate Jacqueline Wiles also performed well, finishing third, 0.48 seconds behind. Despite a shortened course, Vonn clocked an impressive speed of 130 kph, one of the fastest this season for female racers.
Expressing her joy, Vonn stated, “It feels amazing. I try to enjoy every single second I am out here because it is just so fun to go fast.” Her determined satisfaction was evident as she crossed the finish line, celebrating with a triumphant fist pump and nods of approval.
With this win, Vonn continues to set World Cup records, solidifying her position as the oldest race winner in the circuit’s 60-season history. This victory marked her 84th career win, with a record-breaking 45 wins in downhill races. Looking ahead, Vonn remains a strong contender for the upcoming Olympic races in Milan Cortina on February 8.
Notably, the race saw Sofia Goggia, the 2018 Olympic champion, finishing 17th, trailing Vonn by 0.97 seconds. The defending Olympic champion, Corinne Suter, made her season debut but was over a second slower than Vonn. The event was briefly halted due to a serious injury to Magdalena Egger, who suffered a season-ending fall resulting in significant knee damage.
Vonn’s victory in Zauchensee further cements her lead in the World Cup downhill standings, positioning her for a potential ninth season title. She expressed satisfaction with her performance and readiness for the upcoming super-G race on Sunday, expecting a longer course compared to the downhill event.
Vonn’s exceptional performance continues to captivate fans and solidify her status as a legendary figure in alpine skiing.