Lindsey Vonn Makes History at 41 With World Cup Victory on Reconstructed Knee

Lindsey Vonn made history on Friday. She won a World Cup downhill race in St. Moritz at age 41. She did it on a reconstructed knee. This made her the oldest skier to win a World Cup race.

The win came less than two years after her partial knee replacement. It also marked a major step in her push toward the Winter Olympics in Italy. According to Reuters, the victory surprised even some in the U.S. Ski Team because no skier had ever returned to this level after such surgery.

Lindsey Vonn’s Record-Breaking Win Explained

Vonn raced down the St. Moritz course in 1 minute, 29.63 seconds. She won by nearly a full second. Her closest rival was Austria’s Magdalena Egger, who is 24. The gap showed both speed and control, two skills that once defined Vonn’s career.

Her age made the result even more striking. She is seven years older than the previous women’s record holder for oldest winner. She is four years older than the men’s record holder. This adds a new mark to her long list of achievements.

According to AP News, Vonn left the sport in 2019 because her body could not keep up with the damage. Her right knee had been through many surgeries. She could not fully extend it. But in 2024, she had a partial knee replacement using titanium and other implants. She said later she felt less pain and more strength than she had in years.

Her comeback began last season. She finished outside the top rankings but showed signs of progress. She trained harder, worked on conditioning, and found her rhythm again. Her second-place finish in a Super G last season hinted that she was getting closer.

Why Lindsey Vonn’s Return Matters for Skiing

Vonn’s win is more than a personal victory. It shifts what the skiing world believes is possible. A partial knee replacement has never led an athlete back to elite downhill racing. No one knew if the joint could handle the speed or pressure. Downhill racers hit more than 80 miles per hour. The risk of a fall is high.

This result also changes the outlook for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Vonn is now a serious medal contender. This would be her fifth Games. It would also place her among the oldest Olympic downhill medalists in history.

Fans and experts see a broader effect. Vonn’s recovery could influence how injured athletes handle long-term knee damage. Her success may lead to more research, more investment, and more confidence in advanced surgical options. Older athletes may find new hope for extending their careers.

Vonn’s win at 41 shows how far sports medicine has come. It also shows how strong her will remains. Her comeback is now one of the most remarkable stories in skiing. The main keyword “Lindsey Vonn” will continue to dominate headlines as she targets the Olympics.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How did Lindsey Vonn win at age 41?

She won with strong speed and clean turns. Her reconstructed knee held up under high force. Her training and recovery helped her return to top form.

Q2: What surgery did Lindsey Vonn have?

She had a partial knee replacement in 2024. Surgeons used titanium and other materials to support the joint. It removed the pain she had for years.

Q3: Is Lindsey Vonn going to the 2026 Winter Olympics?

She is expected to qualify based on her current form. Her win in St. Moritz makes her a medal contender. Official team selections will come later.

Q4: Why is Lindsey Vonn’s win historic?

She is the oldest skier ever to win a World Cup race. No skier has won after a partial knee replacement. Her age and surgery make the record unique.

Q5: How fast was Lindsey Vonn in the St. Moritz race?

She finished in 1:29.63. That was almost a second faster than the runner-up. It showed she still has elite speed.