Lindsey Vonn turned back the clock in spectacular fashion on Friday, delivering a historic World Cup downhill victory in St. Moritz that reignited her Olympic dreams at the age of 41.
The American ski legend opened the women’s World Cup downhill season with a stunning win, becoming the oldest athlete ever to claim a World Cup race victory. It was her 83rd career World Cup triumph — and her first since March 2018 — as she crossed the line nearly a second clear of the field in the Swiss resort.
Vonn’s success rewrote the record books. Switzerland’s Didier Cuche previously held the mark as the oldest World Cup winner at 37, while Italy’s Federica Brignone had been the oldest female winner at 34. Vonn’s performance raised that bar dramatically.
Starting 16th on the Corviglia course, she trailed early after the first two splits but unleashed her trademark power in the latter stages, stopping the clock at 1 minute 29.63 seconds. Overcome with emotion, she collapsed into the snow at the finish before leaping back up, punching the air and celebrating wildly with her ski poles.
Austria’s Magdalena Egger, who started 27th, finished second, with compatriot Mirjam Puchner taking third place.
The victory was another milestone in a comeback that began last season and was initially met with skepticism, especially given the risks of downhill skiing and Vonn’s history of knee surgery.
Yet she silenced doubters by ending last season on the podium, finishing second in a Super-G race at the World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Friday’s win marked her 44th career downhill victory and came 21 years after her first World Cup success in 2004. She had already hinted at her form earlier in the week after posting the fastest training time in St. Moritz, saying she felt stronger and fitter than ever.
“I knew I was skiing fast, but you never really know until the first race,” Vonn said after an emotional call with her father. “I think I was a little faster than I expected. I had a great run, but I also made some mistakes, which actually makes me excited for what’s next.”
Vonn still has a packed weekend ahead, with another downhill scheduled for Saturday and a Super-G on Sunday. Despite the demanding program, she remains upbeat.
“It’s a long weekend with three races,” she said. “I’m going to try to get some rest and be ready for tomorrow. I’m especially excited for the Super-G — I’m actually skiing better in that than in downhill right now.”
With her remarkable win in St. Moritz, Vonn sent a powerful message: her comeback is not just symbolic — it’s a serious, history-making return.
