Lindsey Vonn Finishes Sixth in World Cup Downhill Comeback

Lindsey Vonn made a triumphant return to the World Cup downhill circuit on Saturday, finishing sixth in her first race in nearly six years. The 40-year-old American skiing legend, competing in St. Anton, Austria, clocked a time of 1:16.66, just 0.58 seconds behind race winner Federica Brignone of Italy.

Vonn, who started with bib No. 32, showcased her trademark speed and control, briefly holding the fifth-fastest time before being edged out by 21-year-old Swiss debutant Malorie Blanc. Blanc’s stunning second-place finish in her first-ever World Cup race added an unexpected twist to the competition. Brignone, 34, claimed her first career World Cup downhill victory, becoming the oldest woman to win in the discipline.

“That was fun,” Vonn told Eurosport after her run. “I still made a couple of mistakes. I know I can be faster. I haven’t started outside the top 30 since I was probably 17 years old. All things considered, it was a great start.”

This marked Vonn’s second race since announcing her comeback in November. Last month, she placed 14th in a super-G event in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Her return to downhill racing, her signature discipline, was highly anticipated. Vonn, who holds a record 43 World Cup downhill wins, last competed in the event in January 2019, finishing ninth in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

Despite starting later in the field due to her wild-card entry, Vonn navigated the 1.2-mile Karl Schranz course with precision. The race was shortened due to heavy snowfall earlier in the week, but conditions were ideal on Saturday, with clear skies and temperatures around 18 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vonn’s performance was a promising sign for her aspirations to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the venue for next week’s World Cup races. “I feel a little bit more confident and comfortable in downhill than I do in super-G,” she said. “And I know this hill really well.”

Vonn, who retired in 2019 due to persistent knee injuries, underwent knee replacement surgery last year, which has allowed her to ski pain-free. Her comeback has been fueled by a desire to compete at the highest level once more. She is scheduled to race in Sunday’s super-G event in St. Anton before heading to Cortina.

With 82 World Cup wins, Vonn remains one of the most decorated skiers in history. Her return adds a compelling storyline to the sport as she aims to reclaim her place among the elite. Fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin, who recently surpassed Vonn’s record for most World Cup wins, continues to dominate the circuit, but Vonn’s presence brings a nostalgic thrill to fans and competitors alike.