Lindsey Vonn wins despite torn ACL, MCL

Andy Gray | Mar 12, 2013

Lindsey Vonn :: Warwick Saint/SI

How does one win a World Cup downhill title while rehabbing a torn ACL and MCL? For Lindsey Vonn, a former SI Swimsuit model, it was easy. She didn't even have to show up on the mountain to claim the top prize. A bad patch of fog forced the cancellation of the race and allowed Vonn to beat Slovania's Tina Maze by one point for the championship. Maze needed only to finish in the Top 14 in order to claim the World Cup but was unable to after the race was cancelled. The title comes five weeks after Vonn's season-ended knee injury. Coincidentally, Vonn lost the 2011 overall title when weather in Lenzerheide Switzerland forced the cancellation of the finals. The downhill trophy gives Vonn a World Cup record 17th crystal globe, overtaking Austrian great Annemarie Moser-Proell. The 28-year-old American has won four overall titles and 13 in individual disciplines.

GALLERY: Lindsey Vonn's 2010 SI Swimsuit Photos

VIDEO:Lindsey Vonn's SI Swimsuit Profile

SI.COM: Despite injury, Vonn wins downhill title

Lindsey Vonn :: James Macari/SI

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Lindsey Vonn :: Warwick Saint/SI

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Lindsey Vonn :: Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom/Getty Images

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Lindsey Vonn :: Warwick Saint/SI

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Lindsey Vonn :: Simon Bruty/SI