In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Lara Gut-Behrami, Switzerland’s alpine skiing sensation, secured her first World Cup victory of the season in the women's super-G at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. This win not only highlights Gut-Behrami's exceptional skiing prowess but also consolidates her standing among the sport's elite, marking her 46th career victory and placing her in a tie for fifth on the list of all-time female winners.
The Kandahar course, notorious for its challenging middle-section turns, was where Gut-Behrami showcased her mastery, clocking in 0.35 seconds ahead of Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie. Close on their heels, Italian skier Federica Brignone finished third, just three-hundredths of a second behind Lie, adding to her downhill win from the previous day on the same course.
Sunday's race was a significant milestone not only for Gut-Behrami but also for the legendary American skier Lindsey Vonn, who made a remarkable comeback by finishing 13th. Vonn, returning to the sport after nearly six years of retirement and armed with a new titanium knee, demonstrated resilience despite encountering challenges in prior races. Notably, she skied out of a downhill race the day before after missing a gate but managed to complete Sunday's event without incident.
Last week's revelation to the Associated Press by Vonn about her plans to retire again post the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina has only fueled her resolve to perform at her best in the competitions leading up to it.
Reflecting on the season, Gut-Behrami has experienced a series of near victories with three second-place finishes in Super-G events before this triumph. Her journey hasn’t been devoid of struggles; she missed the season-opener and worked hard to reclaim her competitive edge. This persistence paid off, demonstrating her ability to regain her confidence and competitive drive.
The event was not without drama, as the start of the race faced a 15-minute delay due to overnight snowfall and rain which required additional course preparation. Austria’s Ariane Raedler provided a heart-stopping moment with a fall off the course. However, she managed to recover quickly, fortunately avoiding any serious injuries.
Looking ahead, the anticipation builds as the athletes prepare for the upcoming world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, set to run from February 4-16. Gut-Behrami aims to maintain her form, while Vonn’s performance suggests that she could still make a significant impact in future races, setting an inspiring precedent for returning athletes.
The event in Germany not only underlined the fierce competition among top skiers but also enthralled audiences with outstanding performances and inspiring comebacks. Fans and bettors alike are now closely watching these athletes as they continue throughout the season.
