Winter Olympics 2026: Will Lindsey Vonn do unthinkable and win gold in Milan-Cortina?

Vonn was 1.39 seconds behind the fastest time of the day in Friday’s training, which was held in difficult weather and surface conditions due to the softer snow following the heavy snowfall at the beginning of the week.

She improved her time on Saturday in more favorable terrain, completing the run in one minute and 38.28 seconds, 0.37 seconds behind compatriot Breezy Johnson, who ran the fastest time, and more than six seconds faster than the first run.

“It was important to walk in the snow today because it’s a very different run,” said Vonn’s coach, Aksel Lund Svindal.

“The time isn’t much faster, but the feel on the skis is (very different) because there’s a solid base now, so you’re not cutting through all the little bumps, you’re feeling them through your body.

“When he came downstairs, he was very calm. He didn’t talk about the show at all. Then I didn’t want to ask because I thought it was a good sign.”

“She knows she’ll have to push harder tomorrow because the other girls will do it too and the Olympics are downhill.”

On whether Vonn is physically ready to compete, Svindal added: “I hope she’s good enough to win this race. But her mental strength, I think that’s why she’s won so much.”

“He also has some experience now at 41. I think that’s what he needs to bring to the table tomorrow.”

Vonn remains uncertain about whether she will compete in super-G and team events.