Lindsey Vonn wins WC downhill for 1st victory in 5 weeks

It was the second podium of Smith's career, having finished second in a downhill in Val d'Isere, France, last month.

"I just wanted to be smooth today," said Smith, who blew her knee out on this course four years ago. "I felt like I over-edged a little bit in training yesterday because the snow feels so good. It's really important in downhill to be smooth and consistent and barely edge your way down the course."

With Alice McKennis having won in St. Anton last weekend and Stacey Cook finishing second to Vonn twice in Lake Louise, Alberta, at the start of the season, it's the first time four different American women have reached the podium in downhill in a single campaign.

Vonn leads the downhill standings 129 points ahead of Cook, McKennis is fourth, Smith sixth, Mancuso 11th and Laurenne Ross — who also has podium potential — 21st.

"It's fun to be on the podium with your teammates," Vonn said. "Everyone is feeding off each other. We have a great energy about the team right now."

Racing continues in Cortina on Sunday with a super-G, a race Vonn has won the last three years.

"Right now I'm just trying to focus on one race at a time," Vonn said when asked if she could reach Moser-Proell this season. "It's definitely possible if I continue to ski like I did today."