Lindsey Vonn Has Another Record in Her Sights
My editor doesn’t think this piece will get clicks, but if you’re a fan of Minnesota sports, you’re a fan of Lindsey Vonn. And at 40 years old, Vonn could very well be the best women’s alpine skier in the country.
The Lindsey Vonn comeback tour has begun
Vonn proved she’s still atop the sport by finishing sixth — and first amongst Americans — in her first downhill race since 2019, which was this week at St. Anton in Austria. On a titanium knee, Vonn finished just over half a second off the pace, which was set by Federica Brignone (Italy).
She also overcame poor visibility to finish fourth in the super-G race the next day, which has historically been her second-best event. It’s also the one that’s given her the biggest bruises.
Lindsey Vonn put on a SHOW with an incredible fourth place finish in St. Anton. 👑🤯 pic.twitter.com/L4hKAZGTVS
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) January 12, 2025
Because of her storied injury history and advanced age, Vonn took a lot of crap from fellow alpine skiers for making a comeback after almost six years away from the sport. Now she looks to have a legitimate shot to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Vonn dated Tiger Woods, which makes her one of the bravest women alive. Although her return to competitive skiing might be enough indication of her bravery given some of the spills she’s taken, surgeries she’s had, and sacrifices she’s made.
One last alpine skiing record for Lindsey Vonn?
If Vonn qualifies for the 2026 Winter Olympics, she can medal. That’s the type of competitor she is — living on the edge — skiing the fall line. It’s the fastest way down the mountain after all. But it’s also the most dangerous.
“Vonn should see a psychologist… Does she want to kill herself?”
-Michaela Dorfmeister on Lindsey Vonn’s daring style
Of course, Lindsey Vonn isn’t trying to die, but she is willing to do whatever it takes to eclipse France’s Johan Clarey — who was 41 years and 30 days old when he broke the record — as the oldest Olympic medalist in alpine skiing, a record Vonn — who will be 41 in October of this year — would own if she is able to medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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So why is she doing this? Why wouldn’t she? Vonn can still ski with the best of them and ain’t scared of doing what it takes to beat them all one more time. Regardless, Lindsey Vonn skiing is what’s best for skiing. More importantly, it seems to be what’s best for Lindsey Vonn.
From Burnsville’s Buck Hill to Olympic Gold
Lindsey Vonn started skiing when she was just two years old at Burnsville’s Buck Hill. Her father was apparently very hard on her according to her coach, Erich Sailer. Since then she’s gone on to win 82 World Cup races — second-most in the sport.
She’s also been on the World Cup podium 137 times, winning World Championship gold twice, along with three silvers, and three bronzes. Vonn also has an Olympic gold medal and two Olympic bronze medals, the latest of which came in 2018. Lindsey Vonn was still third-best in the World Championships when she retired in 2019.
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Vonn isn’t a stranger of Austria, where this week’s race was held. It’s where she keeps her collection of livestock trophies. Yes, that’s apparently a thing in skiing. Most competitors get rid of their living trophies. Not Vonn. She keeps them with a farmer friend in Austria.
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