In a dazzling display of speed and precision, Italy’s Sofia Goggia charged to victory in Saturday’s World Cup downhill race in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The 32-year-old delighted the passionate home crowd, conquering the challenging Olimpia delle Tofane course in a rapid 1:33.95.
While Goggia celebrated her triumphant run, all eyes were also on Lindsey Vonn, the American ski racing icon who recently launched a remarkable comeback at age 40. However, Vonn struggled to find her rhythm on one of her favorite slopes, ultimately finishing a distant 1.68 seconds off the pace in 20th position.
Goggia’s Blistering Pace Secures Win
Attacking the course with her trademark fearlessness and power, Sofia Goggia demonstrated why she is considered one of the premier speed specialists in women’s alpine skiing. The 2018 Olympic downhill champion navigated the turns with precision, maintaining her speed through the technical sections and gliding smoothly over the flats.
Goggia’s winning margin of 0.42 seconds over Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie was a testament to her dominant performance. The victory marked the Italian’s fourth career downhill win in Cortina, a venue that will host the women’s speed events at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fellow Italian Federica Brignone rounded out the podium in third, thrilling the exuberant local fans.
“There’s nothing better for us Italians than winning here at Cortina,” an elated Goggia told RAI after the race. “I had my heart in my mouth a bit today. This place means so much more to me than what would otherwise be a normal World Cup race.”
Vonn’s Comeback Continues with Mixed Results
Meanwhile, Lindsey Vonn’s highly anticipated return to World Cup racing yielded a somewhat disappointing outcome on Saturday. The 40-year-old American, who had her right knee partially replaced less than a year ago, briefly flirted with a top-five result before fading on the lower portion of the course.
Despite the 20th place finish, Vonn remained optimistic about her improbable comeback journey. The winningest female skier in World Cup history has already defied expectations by returning to elite competition after a nearly four-year hiatus and major knee surgery. Her fourth place result in last weekend’s super-G in St. Anton underscored her potential to contend with the world’s best when fully on form.
With the World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm just a month away, Vonn will look to build on her early season performances and peak at the right time. Her legion of fans worldwide eagerly await her next opportunity to challenge for a podium and add another chapter to her remarkable skiing legacy.
Goggia’s Resurgence After Injury
For Goggia, the Cortina triumph carried extra significance as she continues her own comeback from the multiple leg fractures she suffered in a crash last February. The Italian speedster has shown impressive resilience, recapturing her world-class form less than a year after the traumatic injury.
- Goggia’s injury occurred during a giant slalom training run in Ponte di Legno last February
- She sustained multiple fractures in her right leg and missed the remainder of the 2022 season
- Saturday’s downhill victory was Goggia’s first since fully recovering from the injury
With her aggressive, on-the-edge skiing style, Goggia has dealt with numerous injuries throughout her career. However, her unwavering determination and mental toughness have allowed her to bounce back time and again, reestablishing herself as a dominant force in the speed disciplines.
Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Super-G
The women’s World Cup tour remains in Cortina d’Ampezzo for another day of racing on Sunday, with a super-G event scheduled on the Olimpia delle Tofane course. Both Goggia and Vonn will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a discipline that rewards a blend of speed and technical prowess.
For Goggia, the super-G represents a chance to solidify her position atop the discipline standings and further extend her lead in the overall World Cup chase. Vonn, meanwhile, will aim to build on the promising glimpses of speed she has shown thus far in her comeback, with an eye toward peaking for the upcoming World Championships.
As the alpine skiing world turns its attention to Sunday’s race, fans can expect another day of high-stakes competition and breathtaking performances from the world’s best female skiers. With Goggia riding a wave of momentum and Vonn determined to regain her top form, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown on the slopes of Cortina.
