Lindsey Vonn Cracks Under Pressure to Claim Second Olympic-Season Downhill Win at Austria's Zauchensee Slope
In a stunning display of speed and determination, American skier Lindsey Vonn shattered the expectations surrounding her remarkable comeback by claiming victory in Saturday's World Cup downhill event at the Zauchensee slope. The 41-year-old, who has defied odds to compete at this level after a knee reconstruction using titanium implants, edged out Norway's Kajsa Vickhoff Lie by a mere 0.37 seconds.
Vonn's blistering performance, clocked at 130 kph (81 mph), was only topped by her own personal records as she zoomed past the finish line with a look of triumphant satisfaction. When asked about her strategy, Vonn revealed that it was all about being willing to take risks and push herself to the limit: "I knew what it was going to take to win today... I had to give it everything I had, definitely had to risk a little bit."
The victory extends Vonn's lead in the season-long World Cup downhill standings, as well as her record for becoming the oldest woman to win an Olympic-style competition. She now boasts 84 career wins on the circuit and 45 in downhill events, solidifying her position as one of the sport's all-time greats.
Vonn's success has been bolstered by a strong showing from her teammates, with Jacqueline Wiles finishing third and Breezy Johnson claiming seventh place. Sofia Goggia, the defending Olympic champion, was left trailing Vonn by 0.97.
With each victory, Vonn cements her status as a formidable force in the downhill discipline. The American superstar will now look to maintain her momentum heading into next weekend's super-G event at Milan Cortina, where she has traditionally excelled.
In a stunning display of speed and determination, American skier Lindsey Vonn shattered the expectations surrounding her remarkable comeback by claiming victory in Saturday's World Cup downhill event at the Zauchensee slope. The 41-year-old, who has defied odds to compete at this level after a knee reconstruction using titanium implants, edged out Norway's Kajsa Vickhoff Lie by a mere 0.37 seconds.
Vonn's blistering performance, clocked at 130 kph (81 mph), was only topped by her own personal records as she zoomed past the finish line with a look of triumphant satisfaction. When asked about her strategy, Vonn revealed that it was all about being willing to take risks and push herself to the limit: "I knew what it was going to take to win today... I had to give it everything I had, definitely had to risk a little bit."
The victory extends Vonn's lead in the season-long World Cup downhill standings, as well as her record for becoming the oldest woman to win an Olympic-style competition. She now boasts 84 career wins on the circuit and 45 in downhill events, solidifying her position as one of the sport's all-time greats.
Vonn's success has been bolstered by a strong showing from her teammates, with Jacqueline Wiles finishing third and Breezy Johnson claiming seventh place. Sofia Goggia, the defending Olympic champion, was left trailing Vonn by 0.97.
With each victory, Vonn cements her status as a formidable force in the downhill discipline. The American superstar will now look to maintain her momentum heading into next weekend's super-G event at Milan Cortina, where she has traditionally excelled.
! I mean, 41 and still crushing it? That's what I call determination 
. And can we talk about her strategy for a sec? Taking risks and pushing herself to the limit is all well and good, but some of those downhill courses are insane! 
She must have nerves of steel or something. Anyway, it's great to see Vonn leading the charge and inspiring others with her performance. I'm curious to see how she'll do in Milan Cortina next weekend – that super-G event is always a nail-biter 
... she's basically a one-hit wonder who's been coasting on her reputation for years. I mean, 41 and still trying to keep up with the youngbloods? Not exactly setting an inspiring example for us old folks 
. And what's with all the hype about her "taking risks" and being willing to push herself to the limit? Sounds like just another way of saying she was lucky 
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She's been on fire this season and it's awesome to see her breaking records and defying expectations! 41 and still going strong? That's what I call inspiration 
But, at the same time, gotta think about those titanium implants... she must be taking some serious risks out there 
. Either way, it's awesome for her and for the sport of skiing 
she's literally the queen of downhill skiing and i'm so hyped that she won again! 41 years old and still crushing it 
her strategy is all about taking risks and giving it everything she has and i am HERE. FOR. IT 
plus, she's got a record-breaking 84 career wins on the circuit and solidifying her spot as one of the greatest of all time 
can't wait to see what next weekend brings for her at milan cortina 
she's 41 and just crushed it on the slopes 
I'm literally worried about her though... all those titanium implants are taking a toll on her body 
I mean, we're talking about a career that's basically put to rest at this age but she's still gonna keep pushing herself 
. Her strategy of taking risks and pushing limits is so inspiring 
130 kph is insane! 
I'm not surprised she took the win by 0.37 seconds 
, she's been training for this moment for years 
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. She's an icon on and off the slopes 
, and I'm so here for it 
! Can't wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for her 
. I don't think it's just her skill that's carrying her through – it's the tech behind her. Like, what if something goes wrong with those implants? What then? 
. How's her knee doing, really? Titanium implants are one thing, but the pressure to perform at this level must be taking its toll on her body 
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. And don't even get me started on the titanium implants - what a weird solution to her injury problems 
. I'm so hyped for her to take on Milan Cortina next and keep pushing the limits 
. Austria's Zauchensee slope must have been her playground yesterday