Lindsey Vonn finishes 6th in her 1st World Cup downhill race since 2019
Federica Brignone, Lindsey Vonn, and Malorie Blanc made headlines in an unforgettable World Cup downhill race in St. Anton, Austria. Brignone, who had never won a downhill race before, secured her first victory at the age of 34. Meanwhile, ski legend Lindsey Vonn impressed everyone by finishing in fifth place in her first downhill race in six years, at the age of 40 and with a titanium knee.
The race took an unexpected turn when Swiss newcomer Malorie Blanc, wearing bib number 46 in only her second World Cup race, nearly clinched the win by coming in just 0.07 seconds behind Brignone. Vonn was pushed down to sixth place as Blanc shocked everyone with her performance.
Brignone, visibly surprised by Blanc’s speed, celebrated her victory with a determined smile. She described the race as “super-exciting” and praised both Blanc and Vonn for their impressive performances.
The podium was completed by Ester Ledecka, who finished in third place just 0.18 seconds behind Brignone. Canadian skier Val Grenier finished 43rd overall, while Vonn’s comeback was marked by a sixth-place finish.
Vonn, who previously held the record for the oldest winner of a World Cup downhill, lost the title to Brignone. Despite this, Vonn expressed satisfaction with her performance and vowed to continue competing. The race showcased three generations of downhill racers, making it a truly special event.
The weather conditions were ideal for racing, with clear skies and cool temperatures. The course had to be shortened due to heavy snowfall, but this did not dampen the excitement of the competition. Sofia Goggia and Lara Gut-Behrami, two expected contenders, both had mishaps during their runs, allowing Brignone to claim the top spot.
The Americans also had a strong showing, with Lauren Macuga finishing ninth and Breezy Johnson in 11th place. Despite the challenges of the course, the racers put on a thrilling show for fans.
Brignone, Vonn, and Blanc are set to compete in the super-G race scheduled for Sunday, continuing their pursuit of excellence on the slopes. The race in St. Anton will be remembered as a classic showdown between seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, highlighting the timeless appeal of alpine skiing.
