Lindsey Vonn's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Lindsey Vonn. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Lindsey Vonn is a decorated American alpine ski racer renowned for her exceptional achievements. She claimed four World Cup overall championships (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012) and an Olympic gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics, a first for an American woman. Vonn dominated the World Cup circuit, securing a record eight season titles in downhill, five in super-G, and three consecutive titles in the combined (2010-2012). In 2016, she broke the record for most World Cup crystal globes won, male or female, with 20, surpassing Ingemar Stenmark. She holds the third-highest super ranking of any skier.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1983: Tamara McKinney's World Cup Title

In 1983, Tamara McKinney won the overall World Cup title, preceding Lindsey Vonn as only the second American woman to achieve the honor.

1999: Cadets Slalom Events Win

In 1999, Lindsey Kildow and Will McDonald became the first American athletes to win the "Cadets" slalom events in Italy's Trofeo Topolino di Sci Alpino.

March 4, 2003: Junior World Championship Medal

On March 4, 2003, Lindsey Kildow earned a silver medal in downhill at the Junior World Championship in Puy Saint-Vincent, France.

March 24, 2004: U.S. Alpine Championships Medal

On March 24, 2004, Lindsey Kildow was the downhill silver medalist at the U.S. Alpine Championships at Mt. Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, Alaska.

December 2004: Maiden Victory

In December 2004, Lindsey Kildow achieved her maiden victory in downhill at Lake Louise, Alberta, marking a significant milestone in her career.

2007: World Championships Medals

In 2007, Lindsey Kildow earned silver medals in both downhill and super-G at the World Championships in Åre, Sweden, marking significant achievements in her career.

2008: World Cup Overall Championship Win

In 2008, Lindsey Vonn won her first World Cup overall championship. This marked the second time an American woman had achieved this, following Tamara McKinney in 1983.

2008: Overall World Cup Title

In 2008, Lindsey Vonn won the overall World Cup title, becoming the second American woman to achieve this feat since Tamara McKinney in 1983.

October 2009: Skieur d'Or Award

In October 2009, Lindsey Vonn was awarded the Skieur d'Or Award by the International Association of Ski Journalists, recognizing her exceptional performance during the previous season.

2009: Second World Cup Overall Championship

In 2009, Lindsey Vonn secured her second consecutive World Cup overall championship, solidifying her position as a dominant force in alpine skiing.

2009: World Championship Gold Medals

In 2009, Lindsey Vonn secured two World Championship gold medals, further solidifying her status as a top alpine skier.

2010: 2010 Winter Olympics Gold Medal

At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, on February 17, Lindsey Vonn won the gold medal in the downhill event, becoming the first American woman to achieve this milestone.

2010: Third World Cup Overall Championship

In 2010, Lindsey Vonn achieved her third consecutive World Cup overall championship, further cementing her legacy in the sport.

2010: Colorado Athlete of the Year

In 2010, Lindsey Vonn was named Colorado Athlete of the Year for 2009, recognizing her outstanding achievements in skiing.

2011: 2011 World Championships

At the 2011 World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Lindsey Vonn suffered from a concussion and achieved a seventh place in super-G and a silver medal in downhill.

2011: Lake Louise Wins

From December 2-4, 2011, Lindsey Vonn won all three races in Lake Louise, Alberta (two downhills, one super-G), marking her second career 'hat trick'.

2011: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award

In 2011, Lindsey Vonn received the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award, recognizing her achievements in alpine skiing.

2011: World Championship Silver Medals

In 2011, Lindsey Vonn won a silver medal at the World Championships.

January 2012: Milestone Victory

In January 2012, Lindsey Vonn achieved further victories, overtaking Götschl to become the third most successful female World Cup racer in terms of victories.

2012: Fourth Overall World Cup Title

In 2012, Lindsey Vonn won her fourth Overall World Cup Title. She also won her first giant slalom, making her the 6th woman to have won all events at least once.

2012: Fourth World Cup Overall Championship

In 2012, Lindsey Vonn won her fourth World Cup overall championship, adding to her impressive list of achievements in alpine skiing.

2013: World Cup Season Title

In 2013, Lindsey Vonn secured a World Cup season title in the downhill discipline, marking another significant accomplishment in her career.

December 6, 2014: Vonn wins World Cup downhill race

On December 6, 2014, Lindsey Vonn made her comeback to the top of the podium at the women's World Cup downhill race at Lake Louise, Alberta, winning the event in only her second race back.

2014: Vonn aims for the 2014 Winter Olympics

In 2014, Lindsey Vonn stated she would be ready for the Winter Olympics despite her injury in 2013.

January 2015: Vonn ties and overtakes Annemarie Moser-Proell for most World Cup wins

In January 2015, Lindsey Vonn tied and then overtook Austrian Annemarie Moser-Proell for the most World Cup wins ever.

March 18, 2015: Vonn wins World Cup downhill title for the seventh time

On March 18, 2015, Lindsey Vonn won the last World Cup downhill race at Méribel, France and claimed the World Cup downhill title for the seventh time. Vonn tied with Moser-Proell for the women's record of seven globes in one discipline.

2015: World Cup Season Titles

In 2015, Lindsey Vonn achieved two World Cup season titles, one in downhill and another in super-G, showcasing her versatility and continued success in both disciplines.

2016: 20th World Cup Crystal Globe Title

In 2016, Lindsey Vonn won her 20th World Cup crystal globe title, setting an overall record for both men and women and surpassing Ingemar Stenmark's previous record.

November 14, 2024: Vonn announces return to competitive skiing

On November 14, 2024, Lindsey Vonn announced that she was coming out of retirement and returning to competitive skiing after having a successful knee replacement surgery seven months earlier which stopped the pain that had led to her retirement.

November 2024: Return to Competitive Skiing

In November 2024, Lindsey Vonn returned to competitive skiing and became the oldest downhill skiing World Cup winner at the age of 41.

March 23, 2025: Vonn attains first World Cup podium in seven years

On March 23, 2025, Lindsey Vonn attained her first World Cup podium in seven years when she came second in the super-G at the season finals in Sun Valley, Idaho.

December 12, 2025: Vonn becomes the oldest downhill skiing World Cup winner

On December 12, 2025, Lindsey Vonn became the oldest downhill skiing World Cup winner, in St. Moritz, at the age of 41, claiming her 83rd World Cup win and first since 2018.

February 3, 2026: Vonn confirms ACL rupture and intention to compete at the Olympics

On February 3, 2026, Lindsey Vonn confirmed that she had ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) but announced her intention to compete at the Olympics despite the injury sustained just a week before.