CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Sofia Goggia has further asserted her dominance in downhill skiing by clinching her fourth victory at the stunning Cortina course, which will host the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics. This win solidifies her position as the leading contender for another Olympic gold in downhill skiing.
The scene, however, was different for Lindsey Vonn, who is making her long-awaited comeback at the age of 40. Vonn concluded the race in 20th place after a promising run soured due to mistakes in the last segment, which cost her vital speed that could have secured a top-10 finish. “It’s a miracle to be back here,” Vonn expressed her emotions post-race, acknowledging the disappointment of her errors. “I made quite a few mistakes towards the bottom.”
This was Vonn’s first competitive outing in Cortina following an almost six-year hiatus from the sport, now competing with a new titanium knee. She boasts a remarkable record of 12 wins at this iconic venue in the Dolomites. Vonn noted the challenges she faces as she readjusts to the sport after years away. “It’s been six years. This is the fastest course with the most terrain that I’ve skied,” she mentioned, indicating the tough transition back into elite skiing.
In a somewhat rocky return, Vonn had endured a fall during a downhill training session just two days earlier, which left her with a sore backside and a broken boot. Despite these challenges, Vonn remains optimistic about her resilience, stating, “I can take a hit… I’ve got titanium now, so nothing can hold me down.”
Looking ahead, Vonn revealed plans to retire again after competing in next year’s Olympics, where women’s skiing is set for Cortina, while the men will compete in Bormio.
Meanwhile, Goggia celebrated her victory, having previously triumphed in Cortina in 2018, 2022, and 2023. Upon finishing, she joyfully bowed towards the Olympic course, acknowledging the loyal supporters in the stands. “Cortina means the world to me,” she said, reminiscing about her first win here that included notable competitors like Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. She shared, “I have many memories here — both beautiful and challenging.”
Having already claimed a downhill gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and a silver in Beijing in 2022, Goggia continued to build on her impressive record. She finished 0.42 seconds ahead of Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie and saw her Italian teammate, Federica Brignone, place third, crossing the line 0.55 seconds behind Goggia. This victory marked Goggia’s second win of the season and the 26th of her career, showcasing her consistent performance as she has reached the top five in every race this season.
Vonn finished 1.68 seconds behind Goggia and marked her return to the circuit last month with a 14th-place finish in a super-G event. She followed that up with more competitive finishes in her subsequent races. In the finish area, Vonn maintained her cheerful demeanor, welcoming support from Goggia, who was among the first to congratulate her.
Reflecting on their history, Vonn recalled a moment from six years prior when Goggia presented her with flowers following what seemed to be Vonn’s last race. “She’s a true friend. We’re competitors, but we’re friends first,” Vonn commented, reminiscing about their bond and their dinner together just days before the race.
Swiss skiers Lara Gut-Behrami and Corinne Suter finished fourth and fifth, respectively, followed by defending downhill World Cup champion Cornelia Huetter in sixth place. Jacqueline Wiles led the American contingent, securing seventh place.
On a sunny day, the course was perfectly set for high-speed turns. Ester Ledecka made her mark by clocking the day’s fastest speed at 84.6 mph (136.12 kph) in the Tofana schuss, renowned for its narrow, rocky channel. Ledecka ultimately finished the day in eighth position.
Looking to the next day, a super-G event is on the schedule, providing Vonn another opportunity to assert her comeback as she returns to the top 30 of the start list for the first time since resuming her career. “Hopefully, tomorrow I can make a mistake-free run,” she expressed with optimism.
