The Alpine skiing world championships witnessed an electrifying performance as Austrian star Stephanie Venier claimed victory in the women's super-G event on Thursday. Racing in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Venier outpaced her competitors with an indomitable spirit, clinching gold in front of a cheering home crowd.
Close on her heels was Italy's Federica Brignone, securing the silver medal a mere 0.10 seconds behind Venier. Meanwhile, the bronze medals were shared by Lauren Macuga of the United States and Kajsa Vickhoff Lie from Norway, both trailing 0.24 seconds behind the leader.
Adding to the day’s intensity was Lindsey Vonn's unexpected early exit. Making her long-awaited return to the championships after a six-year hiatus, Vonn's run was abruptly cut short. She caught a gate with her right arm, locking her elbow and causing immediate discomfort. Although she avoided a fall, the crowd collectively held their breath as she struggled to regain composure.
Despite the setback, Vonn displayed resilience, skiing down safely to acknowledge the supportive audience. Her return this season is marked by determination, coming equipped with a titanium knee, a testament to her enduring legacy in the sport.
The race commenced under mostly sunny skies, but shifted to overcast conditions as the event progressed, creating varied challenges for the competitors. Venier, starting with a legacy as a 2013 junior world champion, added another milestone by winning her first senior gold after years of perseverance.
She described the victory as surreal, confessing to extreme nerves on the eve of the race. I slept so bad last night, I was so nervous, Venier shared with Austrian television. Her previous achievements include a silver in downhill from the 2017 championships and three World Cup victories, underscoring her formidable presence in the skiing circuit.
This thrilling opener of the championships marks exactly one year to the day before the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games begin in 2026. The event has set a high bar for upcoming races, promising more drama and athletic excellence in the weeks to follow.
For more on Alpine skiing and detailed updates from the championships, make sure to stay tuned for further coverage and insights.
