At 41, Lindsey Vonn continues to rewrite the rules of alpine skiing, charging to yet another World Cup podium with a beaming smile and unbreakable spirit. In the women’s downhill on the historic Di Prampero course in Tarvisio, Italy, on January 17, 2026, the American legend secured third place—her fifth consecutive podium in five downhills this season—proving that greatness doesn’t fade; it evolves into something even more inspiring.
Vonn crossed the finish line just 0.26 seconds behind winner Nicol Delago of Italy (1:46.28), who claimed her maiden World Cup victory on home snow, and Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann in second (+0.20). Despite thick fog reducing visibility midway down the piste and a slight veer into fresh snow that cost her precious speed, Vonn was the fastest at both upper speed checks, hitting 136.3 kph (84.7 mph) and showcasing the raw power and experience that have defined her career.
This bronze marks another chapter in Vonn’s remarkable comeback story. After retiring in 2019 and undergoing knee surgery, she returned to competition in late 2024 with her sights set on one final hurrah at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics—on Italian soil, no less. With the Olympic downhill scheduled for February 8 in nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo, Vonn is timing her resurgence to perfection, leading the downhill standings and proving she’s still a dominant force in the fastest discipline.
The Tarvisio event carried extra nostalgia: it was the first World Cup downhill here in 15 years, and Vonn was one of only two competitors with prior experience on the slope. She boasts an impressive record from her earlier visits—two wins and four runner-up finishes across six races in downhill, super-G, and super-combined. “I don’t really remember the track,” Vonn said post-race, “but I do remember that the atmosphere was amazing… Fans were singing songs about me. It was awesome. So I’m so happy to be back on the podium again under tough conditions.”
Here are some incredible moments from Vonn’s triumphant day in Tarvisio:
And her joyful celebration on the podium:
Italy’s Nicol Delago win World Cup downhill with Lindsey Vonn 3rd …
With confidence, hunger, and fearless runs still burning bright, Vonn is not just competing—she’s thriving. As the Olympics approach, the skiing world watches in awe: the legend is back, and she’s far from finished.
