BREAKING: Lindsey Vonn has just secured her second World Cup downhill win of the season in a thrilling race at Zauchensee, Austria, today, January 10, 2026. This victory marks her 84th career win, placing her just two wins shy of the legendary Ingemar Stenmark on the all-time World Cup wins list.
In a race filled with challenges, Vonn showcased her remarkable skills, finishing in 1 minute, 6.24 seconds. Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie trailed by 0.37 seconds, while American Jacqueline Wiles celebrated her fourth career podium finish in third place. Vonn’s performance was especially impressive given that snowfall limited the athletes to just one training run, where she finished in a disappointing 50th position.
“I had to give it everything I had,” Vonn stated after the race. “It’s a sprint, and I had to risk a little bit in the line, but it paid off.”
Vonn, who made a comeback to competitive skiing after retiring in 2019, has been on a roll this season. She kicked things off with a win at St. Moritz on December 12, followed by solid finishes in Val d’Isere, including third places in both downhill and super-G races.
The 41-year-old athlete initially struggled at the beginning of the race, clocking in with only the eighth-fastest split at the first interval. However, she gained momentum quickly, showcasing her exceptional ability to navigate tight turns despite challenging conditions.
“I knew with all the new snow, the outside track was going to be slow,” Vonn explained. “Where I excel is in the turns.” Her strategy paid off, as she blasted past competitors, finishing with the fastest segment of the day.
This victory not only solidifies Vonn’s position as the all-time leader in downhill World Cup wins with 45 victories but also maintains her lead in the downhill cup standings with 340 points, well ahead of her closest competitors, Emma Aicher (211 points) and Laura Pirovano (167 points).
As the speed weekend continues, all eyes will be on Vonn as she prepares for the super-G event tomorrow, January 11, 2026. Her determination and skill have already made this season one to remember, and fans are eager to see what she will achieve next.
Vonn’s incredible comeback story and her relentless drive to win continue to inspire fans worldwide. With each race, she proves that age is just a number in the pursuit of excellence.
Stay tuned for more updates as Vonn aims for further victories in this exhilarating season!
