The excitement was palpable in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, where Italian skier Federica Brignone delivered a breathtaking performance to narrowly surpass her compatriot, Sofia Goggia, in the women’s World Cup downhill race. The victory marked a spectacular Italian 1-2 finish and highlighted Brignone's technical prowess on the Kandahar run.
Brignone's triumph came by a razor-thin margin of just 0.01 seconds, showcasing her precision and mastery in a race filled with anticipation and drama. Goggia, known for her bold and aggressive style, fell behind early but made a remarkable recovery during the second half of the course.
This victory added another feather to Brignone's cap, marking her 32nd career World Cup win and only her second downhill triumph. This achievement came hot on the heels of her recent victory in St. Anton, Austria, reinforcing her status as one of the sport's leading athletes, even as she holds the record for the oldest race winner at 34 years and six months.
Swiss athlete Corinne Suter claimed third place, finishing 0.19 seconds behind Brignone, while America's Breezy Johnson secured fourth place with a stellar performance. Johnson's result comes as her best since returning from a suspension last season. The U.S. team was well-represented, with Lauren Macuga and Jacqueline Wiles also putting on impressive displays in the top ranks.
Unfortunately, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn faced a disappointing end to her race. After a promising start, Vonn missed a gate near the finish, which marked her second consecutive DNF (Did Not Finish). This setback came during her sixth race since her return to the circuit after recovering from a titanium knee implant surgery. Despite the challenges, Vonn has expressed her intention to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics before retiring once more from the sport.
Austrian skier Nina Ortlieb's race was cut short by a severe crash that necessitated her being airlifted off the hill. This incident, coupled with fellow American skier Isabella Wright’s dramatic tumble into the safety nets, underscored the demanding and unpredictable nature of competitive alpine skiing.
The weekend of intense competition continues with a super-G scheduled on Sunday, which promises another round of thrilling action on the slopes. Ski enthusiasts worldwide will be keenly watching as athletes push the limits of speed and skill.
