With emotion glistening in her eyes and unyielding determination powering her skis, Lindsey Vonn delivered another chapter in her inspiring comeback tale, securing a hard-fought second place in the World Cup downhill – just 24 hours after her historic victory.
The 41-year-old American skiing icon charged down the sun-drenched Corviglia course, posting a time of 1:30.74 to briefly hold the lead. However, Germany’s rising star Emma Aicher, starting right after her, unleashed a flawless run of 1:30.50 to claim victory by a slim 0.24 seconds. Italy’s Sofia Goggia completed the podium in third, 0.29 seconds off the pace, while U.S. teammate Breezy Johnson finished a strong fourth.
Vonn’s back-to-back podiums underscore the heart-driven magic of her return to the sport after a lengthy hiatus and knee surgery. Her performances have not only silenced doubters but reaffirmed her status as a formidable contender heading into the 2026 Milan-Cortina
Despite the narrow defeat, Vonn retains the red leader’s bib in the downhill discipline with 180 points, leading Aicher by 35 points after the opening weekend. The American speed team also shone brightly, showcasing depth and promise for #TeamUSA.
As Vonn’s fairytale resurgence continues – fueled by passion, resilience, and sheer willpower – the skiing world watches in awe. Comebacks like this remind us why the heart often outperforms the odds on the slopes.
