Two time World Cup overall champion Lindsey Vonn (USA) is the 2009 recipient of the "Skieur d'Or" award given annually by the International Association of Ski Journalists (AIJS).

By winning the award, Vonn became just the 10th women since 1963 to be elected by the AIJS member journalists. The Skieur d'Or award is also known as the Serge Lang Trophy named after long-time AIJS president and founder of the FIS World Cup.

"I'm really honored to receive this award," Vonn said. "Journalists are an important part of telling the story of our sport. So, to receive an award like this from the International Association of Ski Journalists makes it even more meaningful."

To win, Vonn trumped 2008 winner Aksel Lund Svindal from Norway. Several other skiers like Didier Cuche, Carlo Janka, Daniel Albrecht and Hermann Maier also received votes from journalists from around the globe.

"Lindsey, Aksel Lund and all the other skiers proposed this year by our colleagues are not only great athletes but also role models in their way to approach and practice their sport and we are very happy that a woman of her caliber will receive the award this year at Soelden," said Patrick Lang, Vice-President of the AIJS and son of founder Serge Lang. "She is also a very graceful person with a nice smile for all her fans."

FIS news
28/10/2009
Includes contributions by Tom Kelly

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