Lindsey Vonn has wrapped up a successful first leg of her Olympic campaign at 41 by clinching a podium finish for the fourth time in five World Cup races. Vonn, who took third place in a super-G event won by Sofia Goggia, praised her Italian rival for a stellar performance that left her trailing by 0.36 seconds.
Goggia, who secured her first victory of the season, expressed relief and joy after a previous disappointing eighth-place finish. Alice Robinson, the runner-up, showcased her prowess by finishing just 0.15 seconds behind Goggia, despite challenging weather conditions that briefly delayed the race in Val d’Isere, France.
Vonn, hitting speeds of up to 115 kph, acknowledged Goggia’s exceptional run and admitted the difficulty in surpassing her. The American skier’s consistent podium finishes mark a remarkable comeback following a retirement period, with her current World Cup season boasting one win, four podiums, and a fourth-place finish in five races within 10 days.
Taking a brief hiatus from racing, Vonn plans to spend the holidays in Aspen with her sister before returning to Europe for training. The camaraderie between Vonn and Goggia was evident as they shared a hug at the finish line, reflecting on their performances and the competitive spirit of the event.
Goggia’s win was not without tension, as Camille Cerutti briefly held the lead before finishing in fifth place, while Val Grenier of St. Isidore, Ont., secured a respectable 19th position. Goggia’s victory marked her 27th career World Cup win and eighth in super-G races, solidifying her status as a top contender in the sport.
Robinson’s impressive second-place finish earned her valuable World Cup points, closing the gap in the overall standings behind Mikaela Shiffrin. With Shiffrin eyeing a record-tying sixth overall World Cup title, the competition is set to intensify in the upcoming events in Austria.
As Vonn and Goggia reflect on their performances and prepare for the next challenges, the competitive spirit and camaraderie among the top athletes in women’s skiing continue to captivate audiences worldwide.