UPDATE: Lindsey Vonn has just secured her second World Cup downhill victory of the season in Zauchensee, Austria, clocking a remarkable time of 1:06.24 on January 10, 2026. This latest win marks her 84th career victory and keeps her firmly in the lead for the downhill cup standings.
In a thrilling race, Vonn showcased her technical prowess despite challenging conditions. After a tough training run where she finished 50th due to strong winds, Vonn stormed through the shortened Kälberloch slope, finishing ahead of Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, who trailed by 0.37 seconds, and American Jacqueline Wiles, who secured her fourth podium finish.
Reflecting on her performance, Vonn stated, “I knew what it was going to take to win today… I had to give it everything I had.” With this victory, Vonn continues to defy expectations after her return from retirement, emphasizing her remarkable comeback since stepping away from the sport in 2019.
The race began with Vonn lagging in the early stages, finishing with the eighth-fastest split at the first interval. However, she gained momentum, hitting top speed and ultimately dominating the final segment. This win further cements her status as the all-time leader in downhill victories, now boasting 45 wins in this category.
Vonn’s success this season includes a downhill win in St. Moritz on December 12, followed by a second-place finish the next day. She also achieved podium finishes in Val d’Isère, securing third place in both the downhill and super-G categories. Her only setback was a fourth-place finish in the super-G on December 14, 2025.
As Vonn continues to lead the World Cup downhill standings with 340 points, she remains ahead of competitors Emma Aicher (211 points), Laura Pirovano (167 points), Cornelia Huetter (166 points), and Sofia Goggia (156 points).
The upcoming super-G race on Sunday promises more excitement as Vonn aims to extend her lead. Fans are eagerly watching her remarkable journey and celebrating her relentless determination to return to the top.
This victory serves as an inspiration not only to her fellow athletes but also to fans around the world, showcasing that resilience and hard work can lead to extraordinary comebacks. Vonn’s story is one of triumph, proving that age is just a number in the pursuit of greatness.
