ST. ANTON, Austria — On a remarkable Sunday for the U.S. ski team, the spotlight shone on emerging talent Lauren Macuga and veteran skier Lindsey Vonn, who made an impressive mark in their respective events. Macuga clinched her first World Cup victory in a super-G race, while Vonn, at 40 years old, continued to exhibit her skill by finishing fourth.
Macuga’s victory was anticipated by fans and analysts alike, as the 22-year-old has consistently shown improvements in her performances. The success on the slopes might also attract potential sponsors, especially for a skier who could be a key figure in what is shaping up to be a prominent family in U.S. skiing. On Sunday, Macuga donned a helmet notable for featuring a question mark where a sponsor’s logo would typically appear, underscoring her rising profile.
The young American displayed remarkable precision on a demanding course that tripped up seasoned competitors like Federica Brignone and Lara Gut-Behrami, both of whom fell short of their expectations. Macuga’s victory margin was significant, crossing the finish line 0.68 seconds ahead of Austria’s Stephanie Venier, with Brignone trailing by 0.92 seconds in third place and Gut-Behrami finishing fifth, 1.26 seconds behind.
“I can’t believe it, it’s so exciting,” Macuga expressed after her win. “I don’t even think the nerves have settled in. I’m just waiting for it to hit me.” Vonn, participating in her third race since returning from retirement, was only 1.24 seconds behind Macuga but showcased her speed, especially in the race’s steep middle section.
“Today was a wild ride,” Vonn commented. “I’m really proud of my teammate Lauren. It’s amazing to be part of such a fun team and to see another American on the top of the podium.” Macuga cheered enthusiastically for Vonn from the sidelines as the latter completed her run in a race that the commentator described as “unbelievable.”
Earlier in the day, Macuga had celebrated dramatically after her run, putting her hand to her mouth in disbelief and exuberantly waving her arms in the air while exclaiming, “Oh my God!” Having achieved a solid ninth place finish in the previous day’s downhill race, Macuga was eager to support Vonn as she took to the course with the number 31 bib. Notably, Vonn had competed in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, five months prior to Macuga’s birth on July 4th.
Macuga’s impressive World Cup journey has spanned three full seasons, with six top-10 finishes already under her belt, including a fourth-place finish in downhill at Beaver Creek, Colorado, last month. “I always believed I could ski on the podium,” she stated, “but I didn’t think it would be today.” Lauren’s sisters have also made names for themselves, with Sam Macuga as a ski jumper and Alli Macuga representing the U.S. freestyle moguls team.
Sunday marked Macuga’s 30th race start in the World Cup, while it was Vonn’s 396th—a career that began back in November 2000 at Park City, Utah, where Macuga is from. Together, the two athletes took Polaroid pictures in the finish area, while Vonn also caught up with former U.S. skier Travis Ganong and Italian star Sofia Goggia, who faced difficulties yet again in her pursuit of victory.
Although Vonn’s margin was greater on Sunday compared to Saturday’s downhill debut, her run showcased her determination and skill, especially given the adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar gates she faced. “It was really bumpy, and the light was flat when I went,” she said, reflecting on her performance. “It felt like a good step forward. The previous day provided me with a lot of confidence.”
The standout performer from Saturday, Swiss skier Malorie Blanc, confirmed her prowess on the slopes with a ninth-place finish in the super-G, having finished second in her downhill debut. This season in the women’s World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive one, especially as the circuit heads toward Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites, which is set to host women’s events at the 2026 Olympics.
Racers from several generations, ranging from the 21-year-old Blanc to the 40-year-old Vonn, as well as first-time winner Macuga, are making their marks against established figures like Goggia, Gut-Behrami, and Brignone, the latter of whom currently leads the overall standings. Next on the schedule is a downhill race on Saturday, followed by a super-G event on Sunday.
“I hope I can bring my best at Cortina,” Vonn remarked, recalling that she secured 12 of her 82 World Cup victories at this iconic venue.
