Lindsey Vonn is back on the podium but was beaten by Germany’s Emma Aicher. Italy’s Sofia Goggia rounds out the podium in third. | Image: FIS Alpine
Another bluebird day at St. Moritz, Switzerland, set the stage for the second of two Downhill races on the Corviglia course, with crowds turning out in force today, December 13. After Lindsey Vonn’s victory yesterday, many wondered whether the legendary skier could make it two-for-two. Vonn looked well positioned after skiing into the lead from bib 11, 0.05 seconds ahead of Italy’s Queen of Speed, Sofia Goggia. However, it was Germany’s rising star Emma Aicher who claimed victory today. The 22-year-old, starting in bib 12, skied into the lead by 0.24 seconds over Vonn to secure her third career World Cup win.
Related: [PHOTOS] Lindsey Vonn Wins Downhill World Cup at Corviglia-St. Moritz, Switzerland
The race was opened by Kira Weidle-Winkelmann in bib 1, who set the early pace with a time of 1:31.84—slightly slower than yesterday. Her mark stood for the next few racers until yesterday’s runner-up, Magdalena Egger, crossed the line in bib 4 nearly half a second faster. Egger’s lead held briefly before Italy’s Laura Pirovano edged ahead by just 0.05 seconds.
Then came Sofia Goggia in bib 9, already a three-time winner on this course (2020, 2022, and 2023). She was the first racer to break the 1:31 barrier, stopping the clock at 1:30.79—nearly half a second ahead of her teammate. Austria’s Conny Hütter, starting in bib 10, was unable to challenge the Italian, but Lindsey Vonn followed with an aggressive run, snatching the lead from her friend Goggia by just 0.05 seconds. The crowd erupted as the legendary American delivered another powerful performance on the Corviglia course. Vonn’s lead was short-lived, however, as Aicher delivered a composed, top-to-bottom run, appearing in control on sections where others struggled.
Emma Aicher snatched the lead from the two veterans. | Image: FIS Alpine
The closest challenge to the podium came from Breezy Johnson, who narrowly missed out after leading at the top of the course. Johnson lost valuable hundredths of a second on the White Wall section, crossing the line 0.11 seconds behind Goggia. It was nevertheless an impressive performance from the American. Other strong Team USA results included Bella Wright in 13th, with Jacqui Wiles, Keely Cashman, and Allison Mollin finishing 20th, 21st, and 22nd, respectively. Tricia Mangan and Haley Cutler finished outside the top 30 but still recorded competitive times, just over two seconds behind the winner.
In her post-race interview, Vonn admitted she felt slightly fatigued after yesterday’s race, which led to a few mistakes and cost her momentum in the mid-section. “You can’t win when you fall on your hip,” she laughed. However, as she did yesterday, the American delivered a superb lower section, posting the fastest glide from the Rominger Jump to the finish.
Three faces you are bound to keep seeing on the podium this season: Vonn, Aicher. and Goggia (left to right). | Image: FIS Alpine
One thing is clear: Vonn is back in top racing form, and this is unlikely to be her last podium of the season. While it might be tempting to wonder whether she regrets not having surgery sooner, Vonn was unequivocal when asked if she would change anything. “You know, I think I had to retire,” she said. “I have such a different perspective now. I really enjoyed being retired. I mean, it took me a while to find my rhythm, but I really built an amazing life, and I think I would have a different viewpoint if I had had the surgery in 2019 — and also it would’ve been for the wrong reasons. I had the surgery because I wanna lead a life that’s pain free, not because I wanted to continue ski racing, so I think it would’ve changed everything. I think the way I did it was the way it was meant to be.” The 41-year-old then added with a smile, “and of course, you know, Cortina is where I think it’s all meant to finish, so I hope that I can keep this going and stay healthy and get to Cortina.”
Cortina is, after all, the venue where Vonn has recorded the most World Cup victories—12 in total. Commonly known as “Vonn’s living room,” the Olimpia della Tofane race course in Cortina will host the women’s Downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Vonn maintains the red leader bib in Downhill with 180 points, ahead of Aicher on 145. The next Downhill will be held next week in Val d’Isere, France, on December 20.
Racing at St. Moritz continues tomorrow, Sunday, December 14, with a Super-G.
PHOTOS
Lindsey Vonn and Breezy Johnson. | Image: SnowBrains
Lindsey Vonn taking time for her many fans. | Image: SnowBrains
Cool kid Emma Aicher claimed her third career victory at St. Moritz today. | Image: SnowBrains
The German team celebrating the victory. | Image: SnowBrains
Lindsey Vonn post race. | Image: SnowBrains
Emma Aicher fielding media questions. | Image: SnowBrains
Lindsey Vonn post race. | Image: SnowBrains
Lindsey Vonn with Breezy Johnson and Aleks Lund Svindal. | Image: SnowBrains
Lindsey Vonn waving at her many fans. | Image: SnowBrains
Lindsey Vonn changing out of her race suit after her race. | Image: SnowBrains
Emma Aicher claimed the victory at St. Moritz today. | Image: SnowBrains
Today’s podium: Emma Aicher, Lindsey Vonn, and Sofia Goggia. | Image: SnowBrains
Lindsey Vonn skied into the lead ahead of Goggia but Aicher was yet to come. | Image: SnowBrains
Lindsey Vonn taking time for her many fans. | Image: SnowBrains