Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn wrapped up her comeback season with a strong showing in Sun Valley, Idaho. At age 40, she claimed second place in a World Cup super-G race, trailing only Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami. This was Vonn’s first podium appearance in a World Cup event since 2018, marking a significant return after undergoing a partial knee replacement.
Vonn expressed her thoughts after the race, emphasizing the challenges she faced. “It’s been a hard road,” she stated, highlighting her determination to overcome personal and professional setbacks. Her comeback, characterized by resilience and hard work, reinforces her belief that anything is achievable.
With this race, Vonn became the oldest woman to finish on a World Cup podium, a record she achieved by six years. This was her 138th podium appearance in 408 World Cup starts, edging closer to the record set by Austrian skier Renate Götschl for most starts by a female racer.
Italian racer Federica Brignone acknowledged Vonn’s talent, stating, “She put all the pieces together today.” Despite Vonn’s impressive performance, Gut-Behrami clinched the season-long super-G title, finishing the race in 1:12.35—1.29 seconds ahead of Vonn. Brignone took third place, highlighting the intense competition among the top racers.
Gut-Behrami shared her joy post-race, saying, “It’s easier to ski fast when you’re enjoying what you’re doing.” This sentiment resonates, especially considering the pressures athletes face.
According to recent data from the International Ski Federation, Vonn’s achievements inspire many, highlighting that age isn’t a barrier for elite athletes. A study from the University of London suggests that experienced athletes often perform better in high-pressure situations due to their deep competitive knowledge and strategic insight.
As we look toward future events, the excitement continues with more races in the World Cup finals, such as the upcoming giant slalom. Vonn’s journey reminds us all: with dedication and grit, remarkable achievements are possible at any stage of life.
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Source linkLindsey Vonn, Lara Gut-Behrami, ID State Wire, Renate Goetschl, Sweden, Alpine skiing, Sofia Goggia, Sports
