Lindsey Vonn embraces 'beautiful day for downhill' racing at Cortina World Cup

Lindsey Vonn failed to better her sixth-place finish from her first downhill World Cup race of the comeback, finishing outside of the top 15 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on Saturday (Jan. 18). The three-time Olympic medalist however was in awe of the 'beautiful' skiing conditions on the Olympia delle Tofane downhill course.

Vonn took to her Instagram story on Saturday before the race and shared a video of skiing down the Italian course. With the sun fully out, the Olympic champion expressed that it was a beautiful day for downhill skiing.

"Beautiful day for downhill," she wrote.

Lindsey Vonn's Instagram story

The 40-year-old was the 31st racer down the piste and was off to an aggressive start. However, she couldn't speed and only managed a 20th-place finish, finishing 1.68 seconds behind Italy's Sofia Goggia, who won the race in 1:33.95.

The American skier had suffered a crash during training on Thursday, and except for a few bruises, she had claimed that she was okay. Vonn was also confident of an impressive performance in Cortina after earning a sixth-place finish in her first downhill World Cup race in six years in St. Anton last week.

However, it wasn't to be for Vonn, who will now line up in the Super-G race on Sunday (Jan. 19). The 40-year-old has 12 victories to her name in Cortina, the most by anyone. She would be eager to add to the tally, which would also make her the oldest skier to win a World Cup race in history.

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Lindsey Vonn is taking inspiration from Lewis Hamilton, Serena Williams and more for her comeback at 40

Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Lindsey Vonn in action - Source: Getty

While no skier older than 34 has ever won a World Cup race in history, Lindsey Vonn wants to break barriers in the sport and is taking inspiration from Tom Brady, Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams, who achieved incredible feats. While Brady won the Super Bowl at 43, Williams reached the semifinals of the Australian Open at 39, Hamilton is set to race for Ferrari at 40, the same age as Vonn.

“Tom [Brady], Lewis [Hamilton], Serena [Williams]. They’ve all done it. The resources that athletes have now allow for a better recovery. So even though you’re older, you’re still recovering faster than I was when I was in my 20s. … It’s changed the perception of how long an athlete can compete for. I think it’s mainly a mindset shift, but it’s possible," Lindsey Vonn told Associated Press.

Vonn is also inspired by Simone Biles, who became the oldest athlete in 72 years to win the all-around gymnastics at the 2024 Paris Olympics.