In a razor-thin battle that had fans holding their breath, 41-year-old skiing legend Lindsey Vonn came agonizingly close to victory in the FIS Alpine World Cup Super-G on January 18, 2026, only to settle for second place by a mere 0.27 seconds.
Germany’s rising star Emma Aicher, 22, held off the American icon to claim the win in foggy, low-visibility conditions on the demanding Di Prampero course, posting a time of 1:14.04. Vonn, who led at key checkpoints and attacked the top section with her signature power and precision, crossed the line in 1:14.31—frustratingly close but enough to secure her seventh podium in eight races this dominant season.
Czechia’s Ester Ledecká rounded out the podium in third (+0.94), while U.S. teammate Keely Cashman delivered a career-best fifth-place finish.
Despite the near-miss—her first Super-G win has eluded her since December 2017—Vonn radiated optimism in her post-race comments, delivering a line that’s already lighting up social media ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which kick off February 6.
“It was tough conditions with the visibility, but I’m really happy to be on the podium again,” Vonn said. “Of course, I’m close to another win, but it is what it is. I think I’ll save the hundredths for Cortina.”
The message—playful yet pointed—has gone viral, with fans interpreting it as a bold declaration that she’s reserving her best (and those crucial split-second margins) for the Olympic stage in Italy, a venue that’s especially meaningful to her.
Vonn, who has already qualified for her fifth and final Olympics (and secured a U.S. quota spot in downhill after a stellar early season), currently leads the World Cup downhill standings and sits second in Super-G, just 10 points behind Italy’s Sofia Goggia. Her consistency has made her one of the biggest medal threats in both speed events at Milano Cortina, where she’ll chase what could be a storybook addition to her Olympic medal collection (including gold from Vancouver 2010).
This latest result caps a remarkable Tarvisio weekend for Vonn, who podiumed in the downhill the previous day. At an age when most athletes have long retired, the 20-time crystal globe winner continues to defy expectations, blending veteran savvy with unrelenting speed.
As the Olympic countdown ticks under three weeks, one thing is clear: Lindsey Vonn isn’t just competing—she’s building momentum, saving her sharpest edge for the biggest stage.
The skiing world is watching. And Cortina might just witness history.
