We’re already a month into 2011, but Vail’s Lindsey Vonn isn’t finished collecting on last year’s bounty. The Olympic downhill skiing gold medalist and three-time-defending World Cup title winner has been named the 2010 Sportswoman of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee (via Sports Illustrated). Vonn is the first woman to win the honor two years in a row since track star Jackie Joyner Kersee in 1986 and 1987, notes the Denver Post.

The award comes as Vonn trails friend and rival Maria Riesch in this year’s World Cup ski tour, points out the New York Times, but Vonn says she’s “still very much in the hunt.” Vonn finished third in a race last weekend despite a sprained ligament in her knee, which happens to be the same injury that has critics questioning the toughness of former Broncos and current Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, writes the Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, Denver Big Air kicked off last night with the skiing portion of the event, and while some fans have complained about the cost of tickets, which range from $25 to $45, the Denver Post reports Civic Center Park was packed.