Vonn adds world downhill gold to Super-G crown

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Posted: Monday 9th February 2009 | 14:27

AMERICA'S Lindsey Vonn may not get the five World Championship medals she was after, but having stormed to downhill gold, few would bet against her getting four.

Lindsey Vonn adds downhill gold to her Super-G success at the World Championships
VONNSTOPPBALE: USA's Lindsey Vonn claims her second world gold in Val d'Isere (Getty Images)

Vonn, 24, captured world downhill and Super-G silver in 2007, but two years on she has added downhill gold to the Super-G gold she captured last week.

RELATED: American Vonn wins world Super-G gold

She was also in poll position in the Super-Combined race in Val d'Isere, but disqualification handed Austria's Kathrin Zettel gold.

But with Vonn in imperious form, she will also be in contention for the technical events - the slalom and the giant slalom - still to come.

"I'm just so happy to get a second gold," said Vonn. "I was a bit upset about the Super-Combined but this more than makes up for it.

"I'm always hard on myself and while I was a little nervous I just wanted to go out there and do the best that I could and I think I did that.

"I can look forward to the other events now. This hill is so difficult but I'll give it my best shot. But two golds is more than I could ever have imagined."

It was Switzerland's Lara Gut who set the early pace in the downhill, clocking 1:30.83 minutes, but with Vonn still to race, she refused to celebrate - seemingly aware her lead would be short-lived.

And Vonn, the hot downhill favourite who set herself a target of five medals in the French Alps, did not disappoint and romped home to take gold by 0.52 seconds.

RELATED: Vonn starts Olympic campaign in Val d'Isere

Gut's earlier time was good enough for silver - her second of the tournament, after the 17-year-old came second in the Super-Combined behind Zettel.

The second silver made all the more impressive by the fact she was suffering with illness during the race.

"I was actually feeling quite sick today," said Gut. "I had some problems with my stomach and I think that affected my energy a little bit.

"But you have to hand it to Lindsey, she was fantastic out there today."

Italy's Nadia Fanchini claimed a surprise bronze in 1:30.88m, while Austria's Elisabeth Goergl - who grabbed bronze in the Super-Combined, missed out in fourth place.

Britain's No.1 Chemmy Alcott continued her impressive recovery from a broken ankle, but continues to be found wanting in her attempts to break into the top ten.

The 26-year-old placed 15th as she continues to improve on her best World Championship finishes, after coming home 20th and 17th in the Super-G and Super-Combined respectively.

Defending champion Anja Paerson of Sweden finished down in 12th place.