By USSA

VAL d’ISERE, FRANCE — Leanne Smith parlayed an early start number into a career first Audi FIS Alpine World Cup podium, finishing second in the Val d’Isere downhill behind Swiss winner Lara Gut on Dec. 14.

Smith, who started third, led four Americans into the top 10 on a shortened course after high winds forced a move of the start.

Lindsey Vonn crashed hard into the B-netting, but skied away with no major injuries. Vonn remained third in the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup overall and still leads in downhill standings with Cook second.

Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley) was seventh, Alice McKennis (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) eighth and Stacey Cook (Mammoth Mountain) 10th.