In a stunning testament to her unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion, Lindsey Vonn etched her name into the annals of Alpine skiing history as she achieved a remarkable feat. At the ripe age of 39, the American skiing icon has become the oldest female skier to claim a podium spot in a World Cup race, marking a triumphant conclusion to her highly anticipated comeback season. As she bid adieu to another chapter in her illustrious career, Vonn’s remarkable achievement serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. With her remarkable comeback, Vonn has proven that even in the twilight of her career, she remains an unstoppable force in the world of Alpine skiing, leaving an indelible mark on the sport that she loves.
Comeback Queen
Vintage Form
Lindsey Vonn, the American alpine skiing legend, made her return to the World Cup podium in a stunning performance at the STIFEL FIS World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho. The 40-year-old veteran secured the second spot in the super-G race, a remarkable achievement that showcased her enduring talent and resilience. This podium finish was her first since March 15, 2018, when she placed third in a super-G in Are, Sweden, marking a significant milestone in her comeback season.
Vonn’s return to the podium was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to her relentless dedication and hard work. After undergoing a partial knee replacement, Vonn faced a challenging road to recovery. Her comeback, however, has been nothing short of inspirational. The American skier has consistently demonstrated her ability to overcome adversity, both physically and mentally.
After the race, Vonn expressed her gratitude and determination, stating, “As much as I love skiing, it’s been a hard road. I just continue to prove that anything is possible. I’ve been knocked down so many times in my life personally, physically, mentally, beat down and I always pick myself back up. It’s not always easy. It’s actually really (expletive) hard work. But that’s what it takes, putting one foot in front of the other and getting through the hard days. When you keep putting one foot in front of the other, it leads you to a place like today.”
Proving the Doubters Wrong
Vonn’s perseverance has been a beacon of inspiration for many, and her recent performance has silenced those who doubted her ability to return to her former glory. Her 138th career World Cup podium in her 408th World Cup start underscores her consistency and longevity in the sport. Vonn is now just one start away from tying the record for the most starts by a female racer, a mark held by Renate Goetschl of Austria.
Her competitors have also recognized her exceptional qualities. Federica Brignone, a 34-year-old Italian racer, praised Vonn, stating, “She’s Lindsey Vonn. She’s not somebody coming back from another injury. She has qualities and she’s an amazing champion. Today, she put all the pieces (together) and did an amazing race.”
A Historic Achievement
Vonn’s second-place finish at the World Cup Finals not only marked a personal triumph but also a historic achievement. At 40 years old, she became the oldest female Alpine ski racer to step on the podium of a World Cup race, breaking the previous record by six years. This milestone adds to her already impressive list of accomplishments, which includes four World Cup overall championships, a gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and a record 20 World Cup crystal globe titles.
The race itself was a thrilling spectacle, with Swiss standout Lara Gut-Behrami taking the top spot. Gut-Behrami finished with a time of 1 minute, 12.35 seconds, edging Vonn by 1.29 seconds. This victory allowed Gut-Behrami to claim the season-long super-G crystal globe, overtaking Brignone, who finished third, 1.33 seconds behind Gut-Behrami. Brignone had officially clinched the downhill discipline title earlier in the season, along with the overall title.
Gut-Behrami’s victory was a testament to her strategic racing. She found plenty of speed and took calculated risks to glide through the course, ultimately securing her position at the top. Brignone, who had been a strong contender, finished third, adding another medal to her impressive collection.
The final season-long super-G standings featured Gut-Behrami in first place, followed by Brignone and Sofia Goggia of Italy. Gut-Behrami reflected on her performance, saying, “Two days ago, I finally found the happiness again on skis. It’s easier to ski fast when you’re enjoying what you’re doing. I’ve been looking for that the entire season.”
The next race at the World Cup Finals is scheduled for Tuesday, featuring a women’s giant slalom. As the season draws to a close, the excitement and anticipation for future competitions remain high. Lindsey Vonn’s historic performance serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy and the incredible achievements possible with dedication and hard work.
Oldest Female Alpine Skier on the Podium: Lindsey Vonn’s Record-Breaking Achievement
At the age of 40, Lindsey Vonn made history by becoming the oldest female Alpine ski racer to step on the podium of a World Cup race by six years. This achievement came as a result of her second-place finish in a super-G race at the World Cup finals, held at the Sun Valley Resort in Idaho. Competing in her 408th World Cup start, Vonn’s perseverance and tenacity have once again shone through, making her the talk of the Alpine skiing community.
Vonn’s return to the podium marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. After a partial knee replacement and subsequent retirement announcement in 2019, Vonn’s comeback has been nothing short of inspiring. Her second-place finish in this super-G race not only solidified her legacy as one of the greatest female skiers of all time but also set a new record that may stand for years to come. The previous record was held by Renate Goetschl, who had stepped on the podium at age 34.
Career Milestones
With this podium finish, Vonn has added her 138th career World Cup podium to her already impressive tally. This performance also marked her 408th World Cup start, placing her just one start away from tying the record for the most World Cup starts by a female racer, set by Renate Goetschl. These numbers speak to the longevity and consistency of Vonn’s career, highlighting her dominance in the sport over the past two decades.
Vonn has won a record eight World Cup season titles in the downhill discipline and five in super-G. Her overall record includes four World Cup overall championships, placing her third among all-time female skiers. Her career is testament to her resilience and dedication, with over 80 World Cup victories to her name. These victories span all five alpine disciplines, making her one of the most versatile skiers in the history of the sport.
Rivals and Reactions
Vonn’s performance did not go unnoticed by her peers and competitors. Fellow racer Federica Brignone, a 34-year-old Italian, expressed her admiration for Vonn’s qualities and champion spirit. “She’s Lindsey Vonn,” Brignone noted. “She has qualities and she’s an amazing champion. Today, she put all the pieces together and did an amazing race.” This sentiment was echoed by many in the skiing community, who recognized Vonn’s determination and skill in achieving this historic feat.
Gut-Behrami’s Victory
Swiss standout Lara Gut-Behrami claimed the victory in the super-G race, finishing with a time of 1 minute, 12.35 seconds. Gut-Behrami’s win not only secured her the season-long super-G crystal globe but also reinforced her status as a formidable competitor. Her victory over Vonn by 1.29 seconds was a testament to her skill and form, but it was Vonn’s podium finish that captured the imagination of many.
Brignone finished third, 1.33 seconds behind Gut-Behrami. This competition showcased the high level of performance and the intense rivalry among top female skiers. Gut-Behrami’s ability to secure the crystal globe by overtaking Brignone, despite trailing by five points heading into the final race, was a remarkable achievement. “Two days ago, I finally found the happiness again on skis,” Gut-Behrami said post-race. “It’s easier to ski fast when you’re enjoying what you’re doing.”
- Lindsey Vonn’s second-place finish in the World Cup super-G race
- Record-breaking achievement as the oldest female Alpine skier on the podium
- 138th career World Cup podium and 408th World Cup start
- Admiration from Federica Brignone and other racers
- Lara Gut-Behrami’s win in the super-G race and season-long super-G crystal globe
Conclusion
A Legacy Born of Perseverance: Lindsey Vonn’s Historic Podium Finish
In a thrilling conclusion to her comeback season, Lindsey Vonn etched her name in the annals of history by becoming the oldest female Alpine skier to make the podium of a World Cup race. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and determination to defy expectations. As reported by CNN, Vonn’s remarkable feat serves as a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. Her impressive performance is a shining example of what can be achieved when talent, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence come together.
The significance of Vonn’s achievement extends far beyond her individual performance. It sets a new benchmark for female Alpine skiers, inspiring a new generation of athletes to push the boundaries of what is thought possible. Vonn’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and motivate young skiers to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face. As the sports world continues to evolve, Vonn’s historic podium finish serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination in achieving greatness.
As Vonn brings the curtain down on her illustrious career, her legacy will serve as a beacon of inspiration for years to come. Her historic podium finish is a powerful reminder that age is just a number, and that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. As we reflect on Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable achievement, we are reminded that true greatness is not measured by age, but by the courage to pursue one’s passions, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.