In the high-stakes world of alpine skiing, certain triumphs transcend statistics — they become statements of resilience, defiance, and timeless greatness. Lindsey Vonn’s 83rd FIS World Cup win on December 12, 2025, in the women’s downhill at St. Moritz, Switzerland, was exactly that: a resounding declaration that the 41-year-old American icon is not just back — she’s dominating once more.
This victory marked Vonn’s first World Cup triumph since March 2018 in Åre, Sweden — a gap of nearly eight years — and came after a remarkable comeback following retirement in 2019, a partial knee replacement, and a determined return announced in late 2024. Starting from bib 16 on the iconic Corviglia course (one of her all-time favorites, where she now has six career wins), Vonn built speed through the demanding middle and lower sections, clocking a time of 1:29.63 and finishing a commanding 0.98 seconds ahead of Austria’s Magdalena Egger, who claimed her first World Cup podium in second place. Austria’s Mirjam Puchner rounded out the podium in third.
The result made history in multiple ways: Vonn became the oldest skier ever (man or woman) to win a World Cup race, surpassing the previous mark held by Switzerland’s Didier Cuche (37 years old in 2012). It also added to her record 44th downhill win — the most in women’s history — and pushed her total World Cup victories to 83, cementing her third all-time behind only Ingemar Stenmark and Mikaela Shiffrin.
The emotion was palpable in the finish area. Vonn, overcome with joy, collapsed into the snow before celebrating with her signature flair, tears flowing as the U.S. national anthem played. She later shared the moment with her father over the phone, both in tears, and reflected on the grind: the intense off-season training, the adaptation to her rebuilt body, and the unwavering belief that she could still compete at the highest level.
This wasn’t just any win — it was a powerful reminder of Vonn’s unbreakable spirit. After years sidelined by injuries, she returned for one final chapter, explicitly motivated by the chance to race at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a venue where she’s claimed 12 World Cup victories over her career. With this triumph (and strong follow-up results, including a second place the next day), she solidified her qualification for Team USA, positioning herself as a legitimate medal contender in downhill and super-G.
As the countdown to February 2026 continues, Vonn’s journey inspires awe: from retirement to titanium-powered resurgence, from doubt to dominance. Some wins truly hit different — and win #83 was a masterclass in legacy-building.
Lindsey Vonn forever. 🇺🇸⛷️
The skiing world watches, captivated: Can the queen add one more historic chapter in Cortina? The statement has been made — now the finale awaits.
