Lindsey Vonn Claims Second Place After Historic World Cup Win

Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American skier, finished a remarkable second in the World Cup downhill event held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on Saturday, just one day after achieving a historic victory. At 41 years old, she became the oldest winner in the history of the World Cup circuit, setting a new benchmark for athletes in the sport.

In the race on Saturday, Vonn was narrowly beaten by Emma Aicher of Germany, who clocked in at 0.24 seconds faster than Vonn. The gap was attributed to a momentary loss of balance during Vonn’s run, where she nearly fell after landing a jump. Reflecting on her performance, Vonn stated, “I’m a little bit tired from yesterday; there was a lot of emotion. I thought I skied pretty well on top then I was just out of balance, I fell on my hip. Yeah, didn’t ski the bottom the way I wanted to.”

A Historic Weekend for Vonn

Vonn’s path to second place followed her stunning victory on Friday, where she dominated the season’s opening downhill by nearly a full second. This accomplishment marked her first World Cup downhill win since 2018, further solidifying her status as a premier athlete in the sport.

Following Vonn in the standings, Sofia Goggia, the 2018 Olympic champion from Italy, finished third, just 0.29 seconds behind. American Breezy Johnson, the reigning world champion, secured fourth place, finishing 0.40 seconds back. Vonn’s performance at the Corviglia course showcased her ability to compete against younger athletes, as she aims for a medal at the upcoming February 6-22, 2026, Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

During the race, Vonn achieved impressive speeds, registering top velocities of 102.45 kph (64 mph) on the upper section and reaching 110.02 kph (68 mph) on the lower portion of the course. She soared a remarkable 41 meters (45 yards) off a jump toward the end of her run. Moreover, she clocked the fastest time in the final sector, indicating her improved fitness this season.

Looking Ahead

Earlier this week, Vonn shared her commitment to physical preparation, revealing she gained 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms) of muscle during summer training and adhered to a strict diet. When she crossed the finish line and saw her time, Vonn initially celebrated, believing she secured victory. Her reaction included a triumphant scream and a celebratory gesture with her ski pole, only to realize Aicher had eclipsed her time shortly afterward.

This race marked Vonn’s 140th podium finish in a record-breaking 410th World Cup race, surpassing the previous mark held by former Austrian skier Renate Götschl, who competed in 409 races. Aicher’s victory, her third overall in the World Cup and second in downhill, highlights her versatility as an all-around skier, reminiscent of Vonn’s peak performance years.

Vonn now sets her sights on another potential victory in a super-G event scheduled for Sunday in St. Moritz, where fellow American standout Mikaela Shiffrin is also expected to compete. Shiffrin has not participated in downhill events this season, adding another layer of anticipation to Vonn’s upcoming performance.

As Vonn continues to defy expectations and age barriers, her journey remains an inspiring testament to resilience and talent in the world of alpine skiing.