At 41 years old, Lindsey Vonn continues to defy expectations and rewrite the record books in her extraordinary comeback. The American skiing legend led the women’s World Cup downhill on Saturday, January 10, 2026, by a commanding 0.37 seconds, positioning herself strongly for her second win of the Olympic season on the challenging course in Austria.
Vonn, racing with a rebuilt right knee featuring titanium implants, completed the shortened run in under 67 seconds while reaching speeds of up to 130 kph (81 mph) — one of the fastest recorded by any female skier this season. Crossing the finish line, she celebrated with a determined fist pump and sharp nods, exuding the same fierce satisfaction that has defined her legendary career.
Here are some stunning moments from Vonn’s powerful run and celebration:
Her teammate Jacqueline Wiles charged into third place, 0.48 seconds back, prompting Vonn to leap up cheering in the leader’s box. Kajsa Vickhoff Lie of Norway held second after the top skiers completed their runs.
The race faced a 25-minute delay following a serious crash by Austrian prospect Magdalena Egger, who required airlift from the course. Egger had finished runner-up to Vonn in the season-opening downhill at St. Moritz last month. Standings remained unofficial pending lower-ranked competitors.
This performance builds on Vonn’s historic season-opening victory in St. Moritz, where she became the oldest World Cup winner ever at 41. With this lead, she is set to extend her advantage in the downhill standings after podium finishes in the previous three races. She now chases a ninth downhill season title — a full decade after her eighth.
Vonn, the 2010 Olympic downhill champion, remains a top contender for gold at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games on February 8 in Cortina d’Ampezzo — a slope where she has historically excelled.
Key rivals struggled: 2018 Olympic champion Sofia Goggia trailed by 0.97 seconds outside the top 10, while defending champion Corinne Suter (making her season debut post-injury) was over a second behind.
After the race, Vonn shared a heartfelt family video call with coach Aksel Lund Svindal, the 2018 men’s Olympic downhill gold medalist.
Vonn’s remarkable resurgence — returning after five years of retirement and major knee surgery — continues to inspire the ski world as she builds momentum toward what she has called her “fifth and final” Olympics.
Live updates and full results are available via the FIS website and app. Can Vonn seal another historic triumph on this Austrian slope?
