Lindsey Vonn Continues Impressive Comeback with Third Place in Val d’Isère Downhill
Lindsey Vonn, 41, secured a third-place finish in the Val d’Isère women’s World Cup downhill, marking a continued rapid comeback that has seen her achieve a win and a runner-up in just nine days.
Despite a costly error in the lower section costing her approximately half a second, Vonn finished 0.35 seconds behind the winner. This podium marks her 141st World Cup podium, with three podiums in four races this winter, and she currently leads the downhill standings with 240 points.
Cornelia Huetter of Austria won the race in 1:41.54 on the Oreiller-Killy course, earning her 10th World Cup win and fifth downhill victory. Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann placed second, 0.26 seconds behind Huetter. Italy’s Sofia Goggia finished eighth, 0.62 seconds off the lead after a costly error.
Vonn has returned to competition after nearly six years of retirement, competing with a titanium implant in her right knee. She celebrated a significant milestone with her first World Cup win in seven years last weekend at St Moritz.
The women’s program at Val d’Isère concludes Sunday with a super-G event. The season’s next speed races will be held in January at Altenmarkt, Austria. The Milan-Cortina Winter Games begin on 6 February, with the Olympic downhill scheduled for 8 February in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
