Key Highlights:

• Lindsey Vonn finishes an impressive sixth in her first World Cup downhill race since 2019.
• Federica Brignone secures her first-ever World Cup downhill victory.
• Malorie Blanc, a 21-year-old Swiss skier, surprises onlookers with a strong second-place finish.
• The race showcased generations of skill, with Vonn being a significant contender at 40 years old.

ST. ANTON, Austria (AP) — Lindsey Vonn made a stunning return to the World Cup circuit, finishing sixth in her first downhill event in six years, demonstrating her enduring talent amidst fierce competition. The 40-year-old American ski legend, renowned as the greatest downhill racer in women's World Cup history, competed on January 11 under ideal weather conditions at the picturesque Karl Schranz course in St. Anton, where he enjoyed a sunny day with temperatures hovering around -8°C (18°F).

Vonn started strong, clocking an impressive speed of 124 kph (77 mph) in the early part of the course, ultimately finishing just 0.58 seconds behind Federica Brignone of Italy, who clinched her first-ever World Cup downhill victory. Despite initially being timed in fifth place, Vonn was later moved to sixth after Malorie Blanc, a 21-year-old newcomer, took second place by just 0.07 seconds behind Brignone. This unexpected finish added excitement to a race filled with drama and surprises, as Blanc had not even participated in the World Cup downhill before.

"That was fun," Vonn expressed to Eurosport, emphasizing her joyful experience despite the intense competition. She acknowledged that while she made some mistakes, she felt confident in her performance given her recent knee surgery, which required a titanium replacement.

Vonn's previous presence in a World Cup downhill event dated back to January 2019 when she placed ninth at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Her remarkable record includes 43 downhill victories throughout her career, a testament to her skill and dedication.(source), (source), (source).

The event will also be memorable as it featured three generations of downhill racers, making for a breathtaking showcase of athletic prowess and spirited competition. Vonn hinted at her continued efforts to improve, noting, "I know I can be faster," as she looks forward to further competitions this season, including a super-G scheduled for the following day.