Lindsey Vonn shines at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Italy, finishing third and second in downhill and super-G events, respectively.
In an exhilarating weekend at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup held in Tarvisio, Italy, legendary U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn showcased her remarkable talent by securing podium finishes in both the downhill and super-G events. Competing fiercely against the world's best, Vonn, 41, finished third in the downhill race on Saturday and followed up with a second-place finish in the super-G on Sunday, further solidifying her status as one of the sport's all-time greats.
On Saturday, Vonn faced tough competition, particularly from Italy's Nicol Delago, who claimed her first World Cup victory with a time that left Vonn in her wake. Delago finished the race with a remarkable performance, edging out Germany's Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, who came in second, just 0.20 seconds behind. Vonn's strong skiing in the fourth and fifth sectors of the downhill course allowed her to clinch third place, finishing 0.16 seconds ahead of Austria's Nina Ortlieb, who placed fourth. Following her run, Vonn expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating, "I was pretty close to the fence but carried my speed OK for the conditions. I am really close to first. Considering everything, I have to be happy today."
The conditions on the slopes were far from ideal, with foggy weather hampering visibility and posing challenges for all competitors. Vonn tackled these obstacles head-on, demonstrating her adaptability and skill under pressure. The following day, she returned to the slopes for the super-G event, where she faced another round of fierce competition. This time, it was Germany's Emma Aicher who took home the victory, finishing 0.27 seconds ahead of Vonn. Despite the challenging conditions, Vonn managed to achieve a time of 1:14.31, which was still 0.67 seconds faster than Czech skier Ester Ledecka, who finished in third place.
Throughout both races, Vonn displayed impressive sector times, hinting at her strong potential leading into the upcoming Olympics in Cortina. "I skied really fast," she remarked after the super-G race. "Maybe the gliding was not as fast, but I am really happy to perform well in different snow and on different courses, which gives me confidence for Cortina."
Vonn's consistent performances this season have been nothing short of remarkable. With her finishes in Tarvisio, she has now managed to podium in every World Cup event this season, with the exception of the opening super-G in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Currently, she holds the title of the top-ranked downhill skier in the world and is ranked second in super-G. After her super-G performance, she noted, "I was a little disappointed in my bottom, but in general very happy with my skiing. I am close to the red bib, so always a good day when that happens."
Looking ahead, Vonn is focused on the Crystal Globes awarded to the top finishers in each FIS discipline at the end of the season. She last won the downhill globe in 2016 and the super-G globe in 2015, boasting a total of 13 globes throughout her illustrious career, including six consecutive downhill titles from 2008 to 2013. "If I can fight for the globe in super-G that would be amazing," she said, reflecting on her aspirations. "So, today was a good step in the right direction."
The women's World Cup speed skiing season continues next week in Crans Montana, Switzerland, where Vonn and her competitors will face off in both downhill and super-G races. This upcoming event will serve as the final preparation for the Olympic Games, scheduled to take place next month in Cortina. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on Vonn as she aims to add to her already storied legacy in the sport, navigating through the challenges and unpredictable conditions that alpine skiing presents. With her recent performances, she is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage once again, as she strives for Olympic glory and aims to capture the coveted Crystal Globes after the Games.