Lindsey Vonn Races the Hahnenkamm – at Night

21st January 2023

Last modified on January 24th, 2023

The legendary retired ski racer, Lindsey Vonn, has put her skis back on to become the first woman to ski the infamous Kitzbühel downhill course – and the first to dare to take on the Streif at night.

The American won everything there is to win in the sport before retiring in 2019 but one last dream goal eluded her in her illustrious career.

She had never been able to take on the fearsome Streif in the Austrian resort.

The Hahnenkamm races have always been a men-only affair.

The downhill course is considered the greatest challenge on the World Cup circuit.

“Only when you ski the Streif are you a real downhiller,” 38-year-old Vonn said.

“The Streif is the pinnacle of all downhills, the most difficult course in the world.

Lindsey Vonn races The Streif, January 2023. Image © Jorg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool

“Nobody believed I could do it. After all my injuries, to now get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to kick out of the starting gate here and fulfil my dream is incredible.”

“I’ve always had respect for the men that raced down the Streif, but I have even more respect now, because it’s one thing to go down it and another thing to ski to win; and now I can fully understand what that means.

“It has given me greater perspective how truly amazing these men are,” she added.

Vonn had not raced a downhill course in four years but pushed out of the start gate and entered the notorious Mausefalle (Mousetrap), with an 85% gradient.

Lindsey Vonn races The Streif, January 2023. Image © Jorg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool

She prepared intensely to push herself to the limits once again despite the severe knee injuries suffered in a career that brought Olympic gold, 82 World Cup victories and saw her crowned a multiple World Champion.

She borrowed the skis from US ski racer Ryan Cochran-Siegle and had them prepared by her former service man Heinz Hämmerle.

Hitting speeds of more than 100km/h at night added further drama.

“I felt like I was jumping over the edge of the world,” Vonn said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous before a start in my life.

“I’m a thrill seeker. I’m an adrenaline junkie, and I love pushing myself to the absolute limit; being on the verge of being scared. I live for a challenge like this.”

Vonn was coached by her compatriot Daron Rahlves, himself a winner on the course in 2003.

Daron Rahlves & Lindsey Vonn, January 2023. Image © Jorg Mitter/Red Bull Content Pool

“To see Lindsey finally have a chance to ski on this track in this kind of situation is incredible,” he said.

“I had no doubt she could ski it, but I was questioning if she was going to really ski it with a lot of determination – I was really impressed that she did.

“This is true downhill, if you make one mistake, you can have some bad outcomes. But the way she just came out to own it was really impressive.”

Vonn said she also took on the challenge for her mother Linda, who died in August.

“I knew she was watching me and was there as a guardian angel to help me accomplish this dream. I know she is proud of me. As she always ways.”