In a moment that sent shockwaves through the alpine skiing world, the legendary Lindsey Vonn defied time and expectation to secure a stunning podium finish in a World Cup Super-G race. The American icon, now 40 years old and competing in a one-off comeback, claimed third place in Val Gardena, Italy, on Saturday, 20 December 2025.
A Legendary Comeback on the Saslong
The race, held on the formidable Saslong course, was won by Italy's own Sofia Goggia, who delivered a blistering run to the delight of the home crowd. Switzerland's Lara Gut-Behrami secured second place. However, the story of the day was unequivocally Vonn. Starting with bib number 19, the most successful female skier of all time powered down the slope to finish just 0.27 seconds behind Goggia, proving her competitive fire still burns brightly.
This remarkable result marks Vonn's first World Cup podium since her emotional retirement in 2019. Her return was part of a special invitational event, celebrating the history of the sport on this classic circuit. The achievement adds another extraordinary chapter to a career that includes 82 World Cup wins and three Olympic medals.
Emotions Run High in Val Gardena
The atmosphere in Val Gardena was electric as Vonn crossed the finish line and saw her time flash up on the leaderboard. A roar erupted from the spectators, who witnessed sporting history in the making. For Vonn, the moment was profoundly emotional, a testament to her enduring love for the sport and her unparalleled drive.
"It was never about proving anything to anyone else," Vonn was quoted as saying after the race. "This was for me. To feel that speed again, to be in the start gate with that focus—it's a feeling I've missed every day." Her performance demonstrated that even after years away from elite competition, her technical prowess and race intelligence remain intact.
What This Means for the Sport and Vonn's Legacy
Vonn's podium finish transcends a simple race result. It serves as a powerful inspiration to athletes across all disciplines, highlighting that passion and determination have no age limit. For the FIS Alpine World Cup circuit, her presence brought immense global attention and a nostalgic connection to the sport's recent golden era.
While the victory went to the consistently brilliant Sofia Goggia, who strengthened her position in the current season's standings, the day belonged to a returning queen. The result in Val Gardena raises fascinating questions about the potential for other legends to make similar guest appearances, blending the past and present of alpine skiing in a unique spectacle.
For Lindsey Vonn, this third-place finish is a perfect, storybook punctuation mark on a career defined by breaking barriers. It was not a full-time return, but a triumphant and symbolic final dance on the world stage she once dominated, reminding everyone why she is considered one of the greatest competitors the sport has ever seen.
