UPDATE: Lindsey Vonn has just clinched her second World Cup downhill victory of the season in Zauchensee, Austria, marking a stunning comeback at age 41. In a thrilling race on January 10, 2026, Vonn finished with a time of 1 minute, 6.24 seconds, solidifying her dominance on the slopes once again.
Vonn’s remarkable performance comes as she aims for Olympic glory after returning from retirement. “I mean honestly not in downhill,” Vonn said in an NBC interview post-race, reflecting on her unexpected success. Her journey to this moment has been anything but smooth; following a challenging training run where she placed 50th due to harsh conditions, Vonn harnessed her extensive experience to conquer the snowy course.
With four downhill races completed this season, Vonn has now secured two wins and four podium finishes. She initially trailed, recording the eighth-fastest split in the early stages, but surged ahead, overtaking Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, who finished just 0.37 seconds behind in second place. American Jacqueline Wiles achieved a personal milestone by claiming third place, marking her fourth podium appearance ever.
Vonn’s technical prowess was on full display as she navigated the 27 gates of the shortened Kälberloch slope, showcasing her ability to excel in challenging conditions. “I knew what it was going to take to win today,” she stated, emphasizing the risks she took to secure her victory.
This win adds to Vonn’s impressive total of 84 career victories, placing her just two wins shy of the all-time record held by Ingemar Stenmark. She remains the all-time leader in downhill wins with 45. Currently, Vonn leads the downhill cup standings with 340 points, ahead of Emma Aicher (211) and Laura Pirovano (167).
The historic weekend continues with a super-G race scheduled for Sunday, promising more excitement as Vonn seeks to extend her lead in the rankings. As fans around the world celebrate her comeback, Vonn’s resilience and skill on the slopes continue to inspire athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as this thrilling season unfolds!
