Lindsey Vonn, the 41‑year‑old American alpine skier, finished second in a World Cup downhill in St. Moritz, Switzerland, a day after becoming the oldest winner in the circuit’s history.
Vonn’s Back‑to‑Back Performances
The race took place on Saturday, following Friday’s season‑opening downhill win, in which Vonn edged her rivals by nearly a full second.
The Downhill Duel
Emma Aicher of Germany claimed the top spot, beating Vonn by just 0.24 seconds.
Mistake on the Jump
Vonn said a mistake on a jump midway down the course caused the gap. “I’m a little bit tired from yesterday, there was a lot of emotion,” Vonn told Swiss broadcaster RTS. “I thought I skied pretty well on top then I was just out of balance, I fell on my hip. Yeah, didn’t ski the bottom the way I wanted to.”
Podium Finishes
Sofia Goggia, the 2018 Olympic champion from Italy, finished third, 0.29 seconds behind Aicher, while American world champion Breezy Johnson took fourth place, 0.40 seconds back.
Race Dynamics
Vonn had entered the race in first position after her run down the sun‑drenched Corviglia course, but Aicher’s subsequent descent pushed her out of the leader’s seat.
Comeback Story
The 41‑year‑old returned to competition last season after nearly six years of retirement, following a partial replacement surgery on her right knee that involved inserting two pieces of titanium.
Olympic Prospects
Her recent results position her as a top medal contender for the upcoming Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where she holds the record of 12 World Cup wins.
Speed and Technique
During the downhill, Vonn recorded a top speed of 102.45 kph (64 mph) on the upper section, which increased to 110.02 kph (68 mph) on the lower part, and she launched off a jump that carried her 41 meters (yards) toward the finish.
Fitness Regimen
She also posted the fastest time in the final sector, a sign of her improved fitness this season. Earlier this week, she revealed that she had added 12 pounds (5.5 kg) of muscle during dry‑land training over the summer and had followed a rigid diet.
Celebration Moment
After crossing the finish line, Vonn celebrated thinking she had won, shouting, punching the air with one of her poles, and raising her arms over her head while shaking her head in disbelief.
Milestone Achievement
The result marked her 140th podium finish and came in the record‑breaking 410th World Cup race, surpassing former Austrian skier Renate Götschl’s previous record of 409 races.
Aicher’s Rise
For Aicher, this victory was her third World Cup win overall and her second in downhill. She is known as a rare all‑around skier who competes in all four disciplines, much like Vonn was at the peak of her career.
Slalom Podium
Aicher also earned a podium place in a slalom this season, finishing third in Levi, Finland.
Aicher’s Comment
When asked about her performance, Aicher said, “I’m a little bit surprised, because I haven’t skied speed in a while,” Aicher said. “I’m really happy with how I could keep the skiing from the end of last year, and just managed to build on that.”
Upcoming Super‑G
Vonn could aim for another victory in a super‑G event in St. Moritz on Sunday, a race that fellow American standout Mikaela Shiffrin is also expected to compete in. Shiffrin has not been racing downhill.
Season Outlook
The race will continue to showcase the depth of talent in the World Cup circuit as athletes prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.
Enduring Competitiveness
Vonn’s performance underscores her enduring competitiveness, even as she competes against skiers half her age.
Record Placement
Her record of 12 World Cup victories and 140 podiums places her among the sport’s elite.
Final Thoughts
As the season progresses, fans and analysts will watch closely to see whether Vonn can add another win before the Olympic Games.
Key Takeaways
- Lindsey Vonn finished second in a World Cup downhill, narrowly missing victory to Emma Aicher.
- The race marked Vonn’s 140th podium and came in the record‑breaking 410th World Cup event.
- Aicher’s win highlights her versatility across all alpine disciplines.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
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