In a poll of Skiing History readers, 59 percent put Stenmark first.
Lindsey Vonn’s decision at the beginning of February 2019 to retire, four victories short of Ingemar Stenmark’s 86 World Cup wins, gives rise to a debate: Which racer’s record is superior? It may be an artificial question created by the press, but Vonn herself said, “Retiring isn’t what upsets me. Retiring without reaching my goal is what will stay with me forever.”
The World Cup was originally created to honor all-round excellence in technical and speed competition. Vonn won in all disciplines, Stenmark in only two.
Starting in February, Skiing History ran a poll on its website (www.skiinghistory.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/skiinghistory), asking our readers to choose between Vonn and Stenmark. Of 962 votes cast, Stenmark received 568 (59 percent) and Von 394 (41 percent). Here are some of the comments from voters...