Lindsey Vonn wins Overall Alpine SKiing World Cup Title

Even though the last downhill race of the season was cancelled, the event that is Lindsey Vonn’s specialty (she had already wrapped up the Downhill World Cup), it proved not to matter. In the end, nothing could keep the 23 year-old Red Bull skier from grabbing what no American female has held in a quarter-century: the Overall World Cup Championship Globe. Lindsey joins Tamara McKinney as the only women from the United States to be able to make that claim.

After placing second in the Super-G at Bormio (her best result in this discipline so far this season) only Maria Riesch had a theoretical chance of catching Lindsey Vonn in the points race for the Alpine Skiing World Cup Overall title. But, with an excellent 11th place finish in the Slalom, Lindsey secured her victory before the Giant Slalom even began, putting her point total out of the reach of everyone else.

Lindsey set the foundation for her title this season with five victories and two podiums in Downhill, and another win and a podium in the Super Combined. Plus, adding the second place in the Super-G at Bormio, along with her best time ever in Slalom really showed her strong improvement in the technical disciplines. With six World Cup victories she had the most wins this season, even taking the men into consideration.

It was an amazing run, especially considering that this season marked Lindsey’s return from a serious knee injury. Not bad to end up with both the Downhill and the Overall World Cup titles right out of the gate! A special rehab program after her injury, and tactical input through Robert Trenkwalder and ASP Red Bull had an incredibly positive influence on her recovery and her season-ending power endurance. For example, small tactical choices like skipping the Slalom at Zagreb provided an opportunity for a special training program with Lindsey at the next race venue.

It’s a great time for American skiing. With Bode Miller’s title on the men’s side, we’re seeing two US skiers on top of the world for the first time since Phil Mahre and Tamara McKinney in 1983.

Just imagine, what if Lindsey Vonn is only getting warmed up? The title will probably only bring more confidence, as does an injury free season this year. It looks as if she might just be making some more headlines soon.


Final Overall standings:

1- VONN Lindsey / USA / 1403 points
2- HOSP Nicole / AUT / 1183 points
3- RIESCH Maria / GER / 1146 points
4- GOERGL Elisabeth / AUT / 1137 points
5- SCHILD Marlies / AUT / 1120 points