Legendary American alpine skier Lindsey Vonn shared a heartfelt and introspective message with fans on social media, acknowledging what appears to be the end of her dominant run atop the FIS Alpine World Cup downhill standings for the 2025-2026 season.
In a lengthy Instagram post dated around March 6-7, 2026, the 41-year-old Vonn revealed she had held the red leader bib—the symbol of the discipline’s points leader—since the season’s opening race. However, due to her inability to compete in the remaining events following a devastating crash at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in February, she anticipated losing the top spot imminently.
“Well… I’ve had the red leader bib from the first race of the season until now, but in all likelihood tomorrow will be my last day as #1,” Vonn wrote. She noted that few would have predicted such a strong position at the season’s start, especially given skepticism about her comeback. “At the beginning of the season no one would have ever believed I would be even close to this position. And I bet people would have laughed if it was even suggested.”
Vonn, who retired in 2019 after a storied career that included four Olympic medals and a record 82 World Cup wins, made an improbable return to elite racing following a partial knee replacement in April 2024. The surgery, which involved titanium components, allowed her to ski pain-free for the first time in years. She stunned the sport by qualifying for the 2026 Olympics and dominating the downhill circuit early on.
This season, Vonn achieved podium finishes in every downhill race, including two victories (notably in St. Moritz in December 2025 and Zauchensee in January 2026). She held the downhill lead for months, with consistent top performances that included additional podiums in super-G events.
Despite the setbacks—including a ruptured ACL just before the Olympics and a severe crash during her Olympic downhill run that ended her Games participation early—Vonn emphasized the personal significance of her pursuit. “Winning the title was my goal… and I came painfully close to achieving it,” she reflected. “I’m not one to talk about things I’ve achieved but in this instance I feel I need to, maybe more to remind myself than anything else… I clawed my way back to #1 in the world after being retired for 6 years with a partial knee replacement and that alone was an incredible achievement I won’t ever forget.”
Vonn opened up about the emotional weight of the moment, questioning why the crystal globe trophy meant so much. “Why am I crying over a crystal trophy? It’s because skiing has always been the thing I love to do most in this world. It has always brought me incredible joy, especially this season.”
She concluded on a note of gratitude and perspective, stressing that the season’s joys—standing in the start gate, crossing the finish line in first, bonding with her team, and celebrating with fans—remain intact regardless of the final standings. “Not having one more title doesn’t make this season less extraordinary… My tears just mean I care. That’s why I work so hard. Skiing is my passion.”
Vonn acknowledged uncertainty about her future in the sport but expressed optimism. “Wherever this path leads I will find my way. I always do. Skiing is what I love to do but it’s not who I am. There are so many reasons to be happy. So much to be thankful for🙏🏻 Thank you all for coming on this journey with me❤️”
The post resonated widely, with fans and fellow athletes praising her resilience and the inspirational nature of her comeback. As the season winds down, Vonn’s remarkable performances have already cemented her legacy as one of alpine skiing’s greatest competitors, proving that determination and passion can defy age and injury.
