At 41 years old, Lindsey Vonn is defying the odds and rewriting the narrative of what’s possible in professional skiing. Her blistering comeback has been nothing short of remarkable, and this weekend’s World Cup super-G race only cemented her legendary status. While Sofia Goggia finally clinched the win her lightning-fast skiing deserved, it was Vonn’s third-place finish—her second consecutive podium in as many days—that stole the spotlight. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Vonn’s return a testament to her unparalleled skill, or does it raise questions about the depth of competition in her age group? Let’s dive in.
The race itself was a masterclass in precision and speed. Goggia, the 33-year-old Italian powerhouse, edged out Alice Robinson by a mere 0.15 seconds, despite strong gusts delaying the start. Robinson, already a two-time winner this season, secured the runner-up spot, leaving Vonn to complete the high-class podium. Vonn’s performance was particularly jaw-dropping: she hit a top speed of 115 kph (71 mph), one of the fastest of the day, but struggled to find the ideal racing line, finishing 0.36 seconds behind Goggia. And this is the part most people miss: even with a slight misstep, Vonn still managed to land on the podium, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
Vonn’s back-to-back podiums mark her 142nd World Cup podium finish—a staggering achievement in a career that spans over two decades. Her comeback, which began exactly one year ago after a five-season retirement, is aimed squarely at the Milan Cortina Olympics starting February 6th. With one win, four podiums, and a fourth-place finish in just five races over 10 days, Vonn’s World Cup season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her downhill victory at St. Moritz last weekend was her 83rd World Cup win—a record that began in November 2000, before Robinson was even born.
But let’s pause for a moment: is Vonn’s dominance a celebration of her resilience, or does it highlight a lack of emerging talent in the sport? It’s a question worth exploring. While Goggia has consistently skied fast this season, her previous best results were two third-place finishes at St. Moritz, where Robinson took the win in a tight race that left Vonn in fourth. Goggia’s 27th career World Cup win—her eighth in super-G—is undoubtedly impressive, but it’s hard to ignore Vonn’s shadow looming large over the sport.
As Vonn takes a three-week break before her next race on January 10th in Altenmarkt, Austria, the skiing world is left to ponder her impact. Is her comeback inspiring the next generation, or is it setting an unattainable standard? We want to hear from you—does Lindsey Vonn’s return elevate the sport, or does it overshadow younger athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s spark a conversation!
