Vonn makes history with 63rd win
January 19, 2015
Lindsey Vonn became the most successful female in Alpine skiing World Cup history when she won the Super-G at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy on Monday. Vonn now has 63 overall wins at the World Cup, sealing the historic victory at the same place she first climbed the podium 11 years ago.
The American was tied with 1970s Austrian star Annemarie Moser-Proell on 62 after her triumph in Sunday's downhill on the same course.
The 2010 Olympic champion, winner of three downhills since returning at the end of last year from a 18-month injury, skied perfectly to record a time of one minute 27.03 seconds.
"It's really a perfect comeback, it's like a dream," Vonn told reporters after finishing 0.85 seconds ahead of World Cup champion Anna Fenninger of Austria.
Liechtenstein's Tina Weirather was third, 0.92 seconds behind. World Cup leader Tina Maze of Slovenia congratulated Vonn after finishing fourth, but she wasn't the only one. Vonn's boyfriend Tiger Woods was with her on the day to offer support.
"Yes, Tiger came. It was such a surprise. He kept sending me texts saying, 'I'm with you'," she said. "I couldn't believe it. It was important for him to be here with my family on a day like this."
The four-times World Cup winner has collected 32 downhill victories, 21 in the Super-G, an event that did not exist in Moser-Proell's time, three in the giant slalom, two slaloms and five combineds.
"I have given a lot to the sport and I have received so much in return. When I started Alpine skiing my goal was to win one race," said Vonn.
"Now I belong to the history of the sport. It's difficult to put into words what it means to me," said the American, who has undergone two knee operations in the last two seasons.
"It was in Annemarie's hands for so long, 35 years is a long time. I hope it stays with me a little while," added Vonn of her record.
jh/asz (Reuters, afp)