Lindsey Vonn, at 41 years old, has become the oldest athlete to win a downhill World Cup race, achieving victory in St Moritz on Friday.
The American star, who retired from alpine skiing in February 2019 due to knee injuries, made a competitive comeback in December 2024. Since then, she has continued to compete at the highest level, including Olympic success with one gold and two bronze medals, and she is aiming to represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Games in February.
Vonn crossed the finish line in 1 minute and 29.63 seconds, finishing nearly a second ahead of runner-up Magdalena Egger. This victory marked her 83rd World Cup win and her first since 2018.
“I knew I was skiing fast, but you never know until you race,” Vonn told TNT Sports. “I think I was a bit faster than I expected. It’s a very exciting time.”
Over the course of her illustrious 20-year career, Vonn has collected four overall World Cup titles. Friday’s race also signaled the start of the downhill World Cup season, with eight more races scheduled before the World Cup Finals at Kvitfjell, Norway, on March 21.
Vonn is set to return to the St Moritz course for the next World Cup event on Saturday.
