In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Swiss skiing sensation Lara Gut-Behrami has claimed her first World Cup victory of the season, triumphing in the super-G at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The 31-year-old’s masterful performance on the challenging Kandahar course not only ended her personal drought but also solidified her status as a top contender for the upcoming world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.
Gut-Behrami’s Triumphant Return
After a somewhat sluggish start to the 2022-2023 season, Lara Gut-Behrami silenced any doubters with a blistering run that saw her navigate the tricky turns of the Kandahar course with unmatched precision. Her winning time of 1:17.37 was an impressive 0.35 seconds faster than runner-up Kajsa Vickhoff Lie of Norway, while Italy’s Federica Brignone rounded out the podium in third place.
For Gut-Behrami, this victory marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. The win is her 46th on the World Cup circuit, tying her with Annemarie Moser-Pröll for fifth place on the all-time women’s list. More importantly, it serves as a timely confidence booster as she sets her sights on defending her super-G and giant slalom titles at the world championships next month.
It’s nice. I was skiing well since a while, still missing something, so it’s great to be able to win again.
– Lara Gut-Behrami on her victory
Italian Team Dominates, Vonn Makes Progress
While Gut-Behrami stole the show, the Italian women’s team also had a strong showing, with four racers finishing in the top six. Sofia Goggia, who took second in Saturday’s downhill, narrowly missed the podium in fourth place, followed by teammates Laura Pirovano and Marta Bassino.
Meanwhile, American star Lindsey Vonn continued her comeback bid, placing 13th in the super-G. The 38-year-old, who returned to competition in December after nearly six years of retirement, has her eyes set on next year’s Milan-Cortina Olympics. Despite failing to finish her previous two races, Vonn’s performance in Garmisch-Partenkirchen demonstrates her unwavering determination and love for the sport.
- Key Takeaways:
- Lara Gut-Behrami wins first World Cup race of the season
- Swiss star ties for 5th on all-time women’s list with 46th victory
- Italian team dominates with 4 racers in top 6
- Lindsey Vonn continues comeback, finishes 13th
Looking Ahead to the World Championships
As the world’s best skiers now turn their attention to the upcoming world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, Lara Gut-Behrami’s victory in Garmisch-Partenkirchen serves as a timely reminder of her immense talent and competitive spirit. With her sights set on defending her titles in the super-G and giant slalom, the Swiss star will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
The women’s super-G at the world championships is scheduled for February 7th, and with Gut-Behrami hitting her stride at just the right moment, fans can expect a thrilling battle for gold. As the skiing world eagerly awaits this showdown of champions, one thing is certain: Lara Gut-Behrami has once again proven that she is a true icon of the sport, capable of overcoming adversity and rising to the occasion when it matters most.
