Vonn brings downhill title to America

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WHISTLER, British Columbia, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Lindsey Vonn became the first American in a dozen years Friday to win the season-long World Cup downhill championship.

Vonn wrapped up the title by finishing second to Nadia Styger in Friday's downhill event, held on the Olympic run outside Whistler, British Columbia. Vonn was just .01 of a second behind Styger with American Julia Mancuso finishing third.

Picabo Street was the last American to claim the prestigious alpine skiing crown. Vonn needed only a fourth-place finish or better to ensure she would be the downhill champ.

Vonn can now set her sights on the overall title. She leads defending champion Nicole Hosp by 64 points in that battle.

"It's amazing I won the trophy," Vonn said. "It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid to win. The last two years I was really close. I had injuries last year and mistakes the year before, so I'm really happy with the way it's finally happened."