Lindsey Vonn etched her name deeper into alpine skiing’s record books on Saturday, claiming silver in the World Cup downhill to become the oldest woman ever to podium at the elite level—at age 41 years and 11 days.
The American icon, competing on the storied Olympia delle Tofane course, finished 0.37 seconds behind winner Cornelia Huetter of Austria, edging out Italy’s Sofia Goggia for second place in a race that showcased Vonn’s enduring speed and tactical precision despite a titanium-reinforced knee.
Vonn surpassed the previous mark set by Austria’s Elisabeth Görgl, who medaled at 39 years and 362 days in 2021. The achievement arrives 20 months into Vonn’s high-profile comeback after a five-year retirement, during which she underwent partial knee replacement surgery and rebuilt her physique from the ground up.
“It feels surreal,” Vonn said post-race, helmet in hand as Italian fans chanted her name. “This podium means more to me than any in my first career—because I wasn’t supposed to be here. Doctors, critics, even some friends said it was impossible. But I trusted the process, and my knee held.”
The result marks Vonn’s 138th World Cup podium and her first since February 2019, extending a career that already includes 82 victories, three Olympic medals, and eight World Championship titles. Racing with bib No. 19, she clocked 1:27.44 down the 2.7-kilometer track, navigating variable late-afternoon light and a softening surface that challenged younger competitors.
FIS officials confirmed the historic milestone immediately after the flower ceremony, with race announcer praising Vonn as “the definition of resilience.” The podium also served as a de facto Olympic trial performance, strengthening her case for a sixth Games appearance at Milano Cortina 2026—where, if selected, she would turn 41 during competition week.
Vonn’s coach, Chris Knight, called the run “vintage Lindsey—smart lines, perfect weight transfer, and zero fear.” Her equipment technician revealed she raced on the same Head skis used during her 2018 Olympic bronze, now fine-tuned with modern sidecut geometry.
As the World Cup circuit shifts to North America next month, Vonn’s silver has reignited debate over age barriers in speed skiing. For now, the comeback queen remains focused on the next start gate, proving that in alpine racing, history is still hers to write.
