An Achievement for the History Books
Lindsey Vonn achieved the unthinkable this Friday on St. Moritz's legendary Corviglia piste. At 41 years and 2 months old, the American won the season's first women's downhill, simultaneously becoming the oldest winner in World Cup history, surpassing Didier Cuche's record of 37 years and 192 days.
Starting with bib 16, Vonn dominated the race with authority, winning in 1:29.63 ahead of Austria's Magdalena Egger (+0.98) and her compatriot Mirjam Puchner (+1.16). This 83rd World Cup victory comes after six years away, marked by retirement in February 2019 and a bold comeback in December 2024, equipped with a partial knee prosthesis.
1. Lindsey Vonn (USA) – 1:29.63
2. Magdalena Egger (AUT) – +0.98
3. Mirjam Puchner (AUT) – +1.16
4. Sofia Goggia (ITA) – +1.31
5. Emma Aicher (GER) – +1.41
A Masterful Performance Throughout
After posting the fastest training time on Wednesday (1:30.95), Lindsey Vonn confirmed her excellent form in the race. Starting with a moderate launch, the American absolutely demolished the timing sheets in sectors 3, 4, and 5, perfectly managing the technical Romingersprung jump that characterizes the Corviglia.
"It was an incredible feeling. I didn't need to ski on the edge to stay fast and clean. All the work is paying off. I knew I was in shape. Now I can finally ski the way I want again – without pain, without problems. My head is free again to ski fast."
This victory brings her within just three wins of Ingemar Stenmark's all-time record (86 victories). It's also her sixth win in St. Moritz, and her second in downhill after 2012.
Egger Delivers, Puchner Impresses
Austrian rising star Magdalena Egger, 24, secured her second podium of the season with bib 27. The Austrian posted the second and third fastest times in the final two sectors, notably relegating Sofia Goggia off the podium.
Mirjam Puchner, silver medalist at the 2025 World Championships, completed a promising Austrian podium sweep. Leading through the first two sectors, she ultimately had to yield to Vonn's power in the lower portion of the course.
83rd World Cup victory (first since March 2018 in Åre)
Oldest winner in history at 41 years and 2 months
6 years of retirement between her last victory and this one
Partial knee prosthesis since her return
3 wins away from Ingemar Stenmark's record (86)
Strong French Result with Miradoli
Romane Miradoli delivered an excellent performance, finishing sixth tied with Austria's Cornelia Huetter (+1.42). This marks her first top 10 in downhill since January 2024, a particularly noteworthy achievement given her struggles in the discipline this season. With bib 26, the French skier posted a time of 1:31.05.
Swiss Disappointment at Home
Despite the advantage of racing on their home piste, the Swiss women failed to place anyone in the top 10. Malorie Blanc salvaged some honor with 13th place (+1.96), ahead of Jasmina Suter, tied for 16th (+2.02). Janine Schmitt finished 23rd (+2.21).
The Swiss team is further weakened by the absences of Lara Gut-Behrami (knee injury), Corinne Suter, and Michelle Gisin, both injured in training at St. Moritz.
Goggia Returns, Americans Show Depth
Sofia Goggia contested her first speed race of the season and finished just off the podium in fourth at 1.31 seconds. An encouraging result for the Italian who is gradually returning to her best level.
Beyond Vonn, the United States placed Isabella Wright 16th (+2.02), Breezy Johnson 15th (+2.01), Jacqueline Wiles 18th (+2.04), and Haley Cutler tied for 20th (+2.16), demonstrating the depth of their speed team.
A Criticized Calendar
This first women's downhill takes place 48 days after the season opener in Sölden in late October. Swiss team coach Beat Tschuor publicly criticized this "definitively too late" launch of the women's speed season, pointing to a manifest imbalance in the World Cup calendar.
Weekend Schedule
The St. Moritz weekend continues with a second downhill scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at 10:45 AM, followed by a Super-G on Sunday, December 14 at the same time. Lindsey Vonn, now leading the discipline standings, will be closely watched in her quest toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Conclusion: At 41, after six years away and equipped with a knee prosthesis, Lindsey Vonn proves that limits are made to be pushed. Her return to the summit constitutes one of sport's greatest stories, and could well continue all the way to the 2026 Italian Olympics.