The Top 5 Women's Downhill Skiers of All Time

By Jayson Panganiban March 10, 2024 22:12

Photo by Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

When it comes to the world of downhill skiing, women have consistently proven their prowess on the slopes, showcasing incredible skill and agility. Over the years, several remarkable athletes have made an indelible mark on the sport, etching their names in history as some of the greatest downhill skiers of all time. Here, we take a closer look at the top 5 women's downhill skiers who have left an enduring legacy in the world of alpine skiing.

1. Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn, often hailed as one of the most dominant and successful female skiers in history, has an impressive track record that solidifies her as a true legend of the sport. With 82 World Cup victories, Vonn holds the record for the most World Cup wins by a female skier. Her remarkable career also includes 4 overall World Cup championships and a gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Vonn's aggressive and fearless approach to downhill skiing has made her a role model for aspiring athletes around the globe.

2. Annemarie Moser-Pröll

Austrian skier Annemarie Moser-Pröll's exceptional talent and enduring success have firmly established her as one of the all-time greats in downhill skiing. Moser-Pröll clinched an astounding 36 World Cup victories, a record that stood for nearly 40 years. Her remarkable consistency and technical prowess set her apart, and she remains an iconic figure in the history of alpine skiing. Moser-Pröll's impact on the sport continues to inspire a new generation of skiers.

3. Renate Götschl

Renate Götschl, another Austrian skiing sensation, left an indelible mark on the world of downhill skiing during her illustrious career. Known for her versatility across multiple skiing disciplines, Götschl's prowess in downhill skiing is particularly noteworthy. With 46 World Cup victories and multiple podium finishes in downhill events, she has rightfully earned her place among the greatest female downhill skiers of all time. Götschl's technical proficiency and competitive spirit have cemented her legacy as a true skiing icon.

4. Picabo Street

Picabo Street's impact on women's downhill skiing is undeniable, as she captivated audiences with her fearless and aggressive skiing style. The American skier's triumph in the 1998 Winter Olympics, where she secured a gold medal in the downhill event, propelled her to international renown. Street's tenacity and unwavering determination on the slopes solidified her as one of the most revered downhill skiers of her era. Her contributions to the sport have left an enduring legacy that continues to resonate within the skiing community.

5. Maria Walliser

Swiss skier Maria Walliser's remarkable career achievements have firmly positioned her as one of the most accomplished downhill skiers in history. Walliser's technical precision and exceptional speed propelled her to numerous victories in downhill events, earning her 19 World Cup wins and two overall World Cup titles. Her remarkable consistency and unwavering focus on the slopes exemplified her dedication to the sport, solidifying her status as a true trailblazer in women's downhill skiing.

The world of downhill skiing has been graced by the extraordinary talents of these remarkable athletes, each of whom has contributed to the sport in their own unique way. Their indomitable spirit, unwavering determination, and exceptional skill have not only left an indelible mark on the history of alpine skiing but continue to inspire future generations of female athletes to push the boundaries of excellence in downhill skiing.