A ‘giant’ success

When a lot is at stake, the joy of success can be even greater – just as it was for Lindsey Vonn on 22 October 2011 in Sölden, when the American raced to victory in the giant slalom in the first race of the new World Cup season. The win meant she had been victorious in all five alpine disciplines – which at the time had only been achieved by four female skiers: Petra Kronberger, Janica Kostelic, Anja Pärson and Pernilla Wiberg. “It was always a dream, but I was so far away in the giant slalom for a long time,” said Vonn, beaming from ear to ear.

The success in Sölden signaled the start of a record-breaking season. In Lake Louise, she took her ninth, tenth and eleventh victories in two downhill races and a super-G, setting a new record for the most World Cup victories in the same place. In February, she celebrated her 50th World Cup victory by winning the downhill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. By the end of the season, she had won the overall World Cup for the fourth time, as well as the downhill, super-G and combined rankings.

Vonn also had the chance to be the first woman to break the 2000 points barrier; a 13th place in the last race in Schladming would have been enough. As at the beginning, it was a giant slalom. Alas – because she lost a pole at the start of the second run – she only managed 24th place. Still, by any measure, it was a season to remember in the legendary career of Lindsey Vonn.