Vonn wins Gold, Mancuso wins Silver for U.S.!
Written by Nolan Thomas, Wednesday February 17 2010
Lindsey Vonn lived up to all of the expectations which were expected of her as she won the Gold medal in the Olympic downhill on Wednesday. Her American teammate Julia Mancuso became a big surprise as well in winning the silver medal.
Mancuso finished 0.56 seconds behind Vonn, and Elisabeth Goergl of
Vonn's injured bruised right shin proved not to be a problem during her run as she sped down Franz's Downhill in 1 minute, 44.19 seconds.
The race did however have several crashes, including one to Swedish star Anja Paerson.
It is the third time that two Americans have finished first and second in an Olympic Alpine race, although it is the first time in 26 years.
During the 1984 Olympic games at
Vonn hurt her shin on Feb. 2 during a pre-Olympic practice in
Even though she had not skied much over the past two weeks, the two-time defending overall World Cup champion and the winner of five of the six downhill’s this season, she still entered the competition as the overwhelming favorite, and she did not disappoint.
Vonn put on a skiing clinic for all the world to see, and was a study in concentration. Kicking out of the start without regard to her bruised shin, she increased her lead at the first three checkpoints, kicking up a trail of snow behind her and tucking at every opportunity.
It was not a perfect run however, as Vonn lost nearly two tenths of a second at the bottom, and almost got knocked off balance as she went over a small mogul just before the finish.
It was more than enough for gold, however, and Vonn collapsed on her back in jubilation in the finish area. She then stood up and placed both arms up in the air in triumph.
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