UPDATE: Lindsey Vonn has just clinched her second World Cup downhill victory of the season in Zauchensee, Austria, with a breathtaking time of 1:06.24. This victory marks a remarkable comeback for the 41-year-old former Olympic champion, who is redefining her legacy after returning to competitive skiing.
In a thrilling race held on January 10, 2026, Vonn demonstrated her mastery of the course, navigating the shortened Kälberloch slope with precision and speed. “I knew what it was going to take to win today. It’s a sprint and I had to give it everything I had,” Vonn stated after the race, echoing her fierce determination.
Vonn’s journey to the podium was not easy. She started her run with the eighth-fastest split but gained momentum with each turn, ultimately overtaking Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, who finished 0.37 seconds behind in second place. American Jacqueline Wiles secured her spot on the podium for the fourth time, finishing third.
The weather posed a challenge for all competitors, as snowfall limited training runs, leaving Vonn to rely heavily on her extensive experience. “The downhill training run was tough. I was really slow, I was almost last because it was so windy,” she explained. Despite starting from a disadvantage, Vonn’s technical skills shone through in adverse conditions.
With this victory, Vonn has now achieved 84 career wins, moving within two victories of the all-time record held by Ingemar Stenmark. She also leads the all-time downhill wins standings with 45 victories. Currently, Vonn holds the red downhill cup leader’s bib with 340 points, well ahead of Emma Aicher (211 points) and Laura Pirovano (167 points).
Vonn’s return to skiing follows her retirement in 2019 and a successful knee surgery in spring 2024. Since her comeback last winter, she has not only made headlines with her wins but has also shown resilience and skill, finishing in the top three in every race this season. Her worst result so far has been fourth place in the super-G on December 14.
As the excitement continues, the World Cup circuit moves to the super-G competition on Sunday. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if Vonn can extend her lead and continue her remarkable comeback story.
With her unwavering determination and proven talent, Lindsey Vonn is not just competing; she is inspiring a generation of skiers and sports fans worldwide. Share this story to celebrate her incredible achievement and stay tuned for the latest updates on her season!
