Why Lindsey Vonn’s Final Race of the Season Meant So Much (To All of Us)

It wasn't the win she dreamed of, but it may have meant even more. On March 23, in front of a roaring crowd at the Stifel Sun Valley World Cup Finals, Lindsey Vonn closed out her comeback season with a triumphant second-place finish in the super-G.

It was a moment that brought everything full circle: a return to the World Cup podium after seven years, a performance on home snow after nearly a decade, and a resounding answer to everyone who said she was too old, too injured, or too far gone.

Now, days later, the ski world is still buzzing. Vonn, at 40, became the oldest woman ever to stand on a FIS Alpine World Cup podium — a feat that capped off a gutsy, emotional, and historic season for one of the sport's greatest icons.

"This podium is so meaningful," she added. "I always knew why I was here. I love skiing, I love going fast, and I just couldn’t put all the pieces together. And today, I finally did."

Earlier this season, Picabo Street predicted it wouldn't be long before Lindsey Vonn again stood on a World Cup podium. She could sense her friend was "hungry to win again." Or at least make the top three.

It may have taken a bit longer than either of them thought. But Vonn made it happen — finishing just 1.29 seconds behind Switzerland's Lara Gut-Behrami (33).

It was Vonn's first World Cup podium in seven years — and her first on home snow in eight.

"I really wanted to do it at home, it's very rare in my career," she said, smiling after the race. "The last race of the season, I just put it all on the line. This is the level that I know I can ski. I know I can even do better than that."

Vonn made history with her 138th World Cup podium — a powerful reminder that age, scars, and metal parts don't define your limit.

By Peggy Shinn · Published March 26, 2025

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