Lindsey Vonn Wins 84th World Cup Race at 40 Years Old

At 40 years old, Lindsey Vonn just reminded the skiing world why she's considered one of the greatest of all time.

The American speed icon charged through heavy snowfall in Zauchensee, Austria on Saturday to capture her 84th career World Cup victory. The challenging conditions made the win even sweeter, as Vonn navigated the shortened course with confidence and precision that left competitors behind.

"I took some big chances in the middle section," Vonn said after punching through the finish line to see the coveted green light. Despite the tough conditions, she brought intense focus and executed her race plan perfectly.

But the day belonged to more than just Vonn. Teammate Jackie Wiles secured third place, marking her first World Cup podium since 2024 and creating a double celebration for the American squad.

It was the first time Vonn and Wiles shared a podium together since 2018. Wiles, starting from bib 16, attacked the snowy course with fearless commitment that paid off in a major way.

"Today you just really had to stick your nose in it," Wiles explained. The strategy required pinpoint accuracy on the racing line and an aggressive approach that didn't leave room for hesitation.

The American dominance didn't stop there. Breezy Johnson finished seventh, while Allison Mollin skied to a career best 14th place finish, showing the depth and strength of the U.S. speed team.

Why This Inspires

Vonn's return from retirement has defied expectations at every turn. Coming back to elite competition after stepping away is difficult enough, but doing it in your 40s and winning against the world's best young athletes feels almost impossible.

Her 84th victory sends a powerful message about perseverance and believing in your abilities regardless of age. When Vonn retired, many thought her story was complete, but she's now writing new chapters that inspire athletes across all sports.

The double podium also highlights how veteran excellence can lift an entire team. With Vonn leading the way, younger teammates like Wiles and Mollin are finding their own breakthrough moments and pushing American skiing to new heights.

Together, they're building momentum in both the Nations Cup overall standings and downhill rankings. The team switches to super-G racing on Sunday, carrying confidence from a day when they proved that grit, experience, and courage can overcome any conditions.

Sometimes the greatest victories aren't about proving yourself for the first time, but about proving you've still got it when everyone's watching.