Vonn’s downhill farewell a lovely shade of bronze

Lindsey Vonn’s bronze in the women’s downhill race marked the third Olympic medal of her extraordinary Alpine career and was essentially eight years in the making. She was 23 when she won gold in the event at the Vancouver Olympics and injuries forced her to wait two Olympic cycles to finally defend her title. She was perhaps a bit disappointed she didn’t finish in first here, but was certainly pleased to return to the podium.

Italy’s Sofia Goggia entered the race ranked No. 1 in the World Cup downhill standings, and she did not disappoint. She was the day’s fifth skier and tore through the course, especially picking up time over the back half. Goggia posted a time of 1:39.22, laying claim to the top of the leader board. Vonn was up two racers later.

She finished in 1:39.69, which left her 0.47 seconds behind Goggia and, for the moment at least, comfortably in second.

Vonn looked poised for silver until the day’s 19th racer, Norway’s Regnhild Mowinckel, hit the course. Mowinckel had never posted a podium finish on the World Cup circuit and finished 27th in the downhill four years ago Sochi. Mowinckel finished just 0.09 seconds out of first and 0.38 faster than Vonn.

Vonn has three medals in four Olympic appearances. In addition to her downhill gold, she also won a bronze in the super- G in Vancouver. This latest one will surely carry plenty of meaning. Not only did Vonn have to navigate injuries and life changes that made her a different skier — and person — than the young hotshot racer in Vancouver, but she approached these Olympics knowing they’d likely be her last.