CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The festivities at St. Anton’s Krazy Kanguruh après-ski bar continued into the early morning on Monday, as the U.S. Ski Team’s rising star celebrated her first World Cup victory achieved over the weekend.
“I think we managed to get home by 2. Not too late, I’d say,” commented Lauren Macuga, who triumphed in a super-G race in Austria on Sunday. “It’s been such a whirlwind. Each day it feels a little more real. I’m just coming to terms with the fact that it actually happened.”
Indeed, it happened. She now faces the challenge of maintaining her newfound success.
This weekend, all eyes will be on Macuga as she competes in both downhill and another super-G event in Cortina. She will also participate in her first significant competition at the world championships scheduled for next month in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.
“Winning your first race always brings about new expectations and pressures, and many things change,” remarked U.S. head coach Paul Kristofic. “A key challenge is managing those changes and staying focused on what you need to do. That’s our primary focus with her now.”
At just 22 years old, Macuga is at the beginning of her professional skiing journey. Her sisters are also making waves in their respective fields, with Sam Macuga representing the U.S. in ski jumping and Alli Macuga competing in moguls.
“I’m trying to approach it as if it’s just another day,” said Lauren. “Of course, I want to replicate this success, no doubt.”
During downhill training on Friday, Macuga sported a helmet with a question mark in place of a sponsor’s logo, hinting that she might finally be close to securing a sponsorship deal.
“We’ll see how things unfold tomorrow. It might be a surprise,” she commented.
Macuga is also recognized for her diverse collection of bucket hats. After her win in St. Anton, she donned a hat with an American flag design. On Friday, her headgear featured a playful banana motif.
“It’s just too hilarious. How could I resist?” she said.
The U.S. ski team has historically performed well in Cortina, bolstered by Lindsey Vonn’s impressive record of 12 victories. The venue is set to host women’s skiing events at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics next year.
Jacqueline Wiles achieved a podium finish last year by taking second place in the Cortina downhill, marking her second time standing among the top racers at this premier circuit stop.
“She’s incredibly talented at downhill racing,” Kristofic praised Wiles. “This course really plays to her strengths.”
Breezy Johnson displayed strong performance in the final training session on Friday, finishing fourth, trailing the likes of Sofia Goggia, Federica Brignone, and Lara Gut-Behrami, who are renowned figures on the circuit.
Johnson recently returned from a 14-month suspension due to violations of anti-doping whereabouts regulations. During her time off, she managed to raise $150,000 to support her training and hire coaches independently.
“It took a lot of effort to gather the funds and manage expenses, but I made the most of a challenging situation,” Johnson shared. “I’m thrilled to be back with my teammates.”
Vonn has also made a comeback, returning from retirement at the age of 40.
Meanwhile, Mikaela Shiffrin is continuing her recovery after sustaining a puncture wound from a fall while aiming for her 100th World Cup victory at Killington, Vermont, in November.
