Lindsey Vonn Makes History as Oldest Skiing World Cup Winner at 41
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Lindsey Vonn etched her name into the record books Friday,becoming the oldest skier to win a downhill World Cup race at St. Moritz, Switzerland. The American athlete, who initially retired in February 2019 due to persistent knee issues, demonstrated remarkable resilience with her triumphant return to competitive skiing in December 2024.
A Comeback for the ages
Vonn’s victory is a testament to her dedication and physical fortitude. Crossing the finish line in one minute and 29.63 seconds – nearly a full second ahead of Magdalena egger – she secured her 83rd world Cup win and first since 2018. “I knew I was skiing fast but you never know until the first race,” vonn told TNT Sports. “I think I was a little faster than I expected. Its a very exciting time. Obviously my goal is Cortina but if this is the way we start, I think I’m in a good spot.”
Breaking Records and Setting Sights on 2026
The win surpasses the previous record for oldest World Cup winner, previously held by Switzerland’s Didier Cuche, who achieved victory in a super-G event at Crans Montana, USA, in 2012 at the age of 37.On the women’s circuit, the record was previously held by Austrian Elisabeth Goergl, who won a super-G race in Val d’Isere, France, in 2014 at age 33.
Vonn’s extraordinary career already includes one gold and two bronze Olympic medals, and she is currently preparing to represent the USA at the 2026 Games in February. This latest victory signals she is a serious contender for further accolades.
A Career Spanning Two Decades
With four overall World Cup titles under her belt, Vonn has enjoyed a glittering 20-year career. The athlete reflected on the significance of this latest achievement, stating, “The win means so much to me. I knew in the summer I was on the right path, and all the hard work has paid off.” She even admitted to reconsidering her retirement plans, adding, “I thoght I might retire after the last race of the Olympics, because I didn’t think I’d be competitive for a title, but I might need to change my approach.”
What’s Next for the Skiing Star?
Friday’s race marked the opening of the downhill World cup campaign, with eight more races scheduled before the World Cup Finals in Kvitfjell, Norway, on March 21.Vonn’s focus remains on the upcoming competition in Cortina, but her stunning return to form has undoubtedly reignited her competitive spirit and raised expectations for a strong performance throughout the season.
Here’s a breakdown of how the questions are answered in the revised article:
* Why: Lindsey Vonn returned to competitive skiing after retiring in 2019 due to knee injuries, driven by a desire to compete and a belief she could still be successful. Her recent win is a testament to her dedication and physical fortitude.
* Who: Lindsey Vonn, a 41-year-old American skier, achieved the historic win. Magdalena Egger finished second. Didier Cuche and Elisabeth Goergl previously held the records for
