Sofia Goggia Gets Overdue Super-G World Cup Win as Lindsey Vonn Takes Podium in Val d’Isère
VAL D’ISÈRE, France — Sofia Goggia finally converted blistering speed into victory, capturing her first women’s World Cup super-G win of the season on Sunday, while American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn continued her remarkable comeback with a third-place finish.
The race delivered high drama, elite performances, and emotional relief, reinforcing why women’s speed events remain among the most captivating spectacles in alpine skiing.
Goggia’s Redemption After Emotional Setback
One day after enduring heartbreak in the downhill — where a lightning-fast start unraveled into an eighth-place finish — Goggia returned stronger, calmer, and more precise. The Italian star admitted she spent an hour in tears following Saturday’s missed opportunity, a moment that made Sunday’s triumph even sweeter.
Goggia clocked a near-flawless run to finish 0.15 seconds ahead of New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, demonstrating her trademark aggression paired with refined control on the technical Val d’Isère course.
“I really thought my time wouldn’t be enough — maybe not even for the podium,” Goggia said afterward. “I’m glad I was wrong.”
Lindsey Vonn’s Podium Consistency at 41
Lindsey Vonn, competing in just her fifth World Cup race since returning from a five-season retirement, once again proved she belongs among the sport’s elite. The 41-year-old posted the fastest top speed of the day at 115 kph (71 mph), but minor line errors left her 0.36 seconds off the lead.
Still, the result marked her fourth podium finish in five races this season — an extraordinary achievement by any standard, let alone for an athlete preparing for a second Olympic chapter.
“I was happy with my skiing today,” Vonn said. “Sofia put together an amazing run, and I knew it would be hard to beat her.”
A Rivalry That Defines Women’s Speed Skiing
Goggia and Vonn, both former Olympic downhill champions, shared a moment of mutual respect at the finish line, embracing after a tense wait. Their rivalry — built on power, resilience, and longevity — continues to elevate women’s speed racing.
Between them, the two athletes have combined for more than 100 World Cup victories and remain central figures in a discipline increasingly shaped by younger challengers.
Alice Robinson Continues Breakout Season
Robinson, already a two-time World Cup winner this season, further solidified her rise with a strong second-place finish. Starting earlier in the race before gusty winds caused a 10-minute delay, she took full advantage of favorable conditions.
The result earned Robinson 80 World Cup points and allowed her to close the overall standings gap behind Mikaela Shiffrin, who rarely competes in super-G events.
Career Milestones and Historic Numbers
Sunday’s podium marked the 142nd of Vonn’s storied World Cup career — a journey that began in November 2000, before Robinson was even born. Her résumé now includes 83 career World Cup wins, four overall titles, and three Olympic medals.
Goggia’s victory was her 27th career World Cup win and her eighth in super-G, underscoring her dominance in speed disciplines despite recent seasons interrupted by injuries.
Tension Builds in Leader’s Box
Goggia’s relief did not come easily. French skier Camille Cerutti, starting 27th, briefly threatened the podium after posting the fastest time through the third split. Though Cerutti ultimately finished fifth, her performance added suspense to an already gripping race.
For Goggia, the wait in the leader’s chair was an emotional test — one she passed as each remaining racer failed to surpass her time.
Vonn’s Olympic Focus Sharpens
With speed races now pausing, Vonn will take a three-week break before returning to competition on Jan. 10 in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Austria. She plans to spend the holidays in Aspen, focusing on recovery and strength training.
“Last year was really up and down,” Vonn said. “This year, even when I make mistakes, I’m still on the podium. That’s a completely different place to be.”
Looking Ahead to Milan Cortina 2026
The performances in Val d’Isère reinforce the sense that the women’s speed field is entering a compelling era — one where legends like Vonn coexist with peak-form stars like Goggia and rising contenders such as Robinson.
As the countdown to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continues, Sunday’s race offered a glimpse of what could be one of the most competitive Olympic speed events in recent memory.
For now, Sofia Goggia leaves France with redemption and momentum, while Lindsey Vonn departs with confidence, consistency, and proof that age is no barrier to elite performance.