Goggia wins women’s World Cup super-G at Beaver Creek on return from broken leg

Italy’s Sofia Goggia Triumphs in Women’s Super-G at Beaver Creek

Italy’s skiing sensation Sofia Goggia made a triumphant return to competition at Beaver Creek, Colorado, as she clinched the women’s super-G race on Sunday. This victory marked her 25th World Cup win, a remarkable achievement considering it was only her second race since fracturing her right leg in February.

Goggia blazed through the challenging Birds of Prey course in a time of one minute and 3.9 seconds, outpacing defending overall World Cup champion Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland by 0.48 seconds. Austria’s Ariane Raedler secured third place, earning her second World Cup podium finish and pushing compatriot Cornelia Huetter, who won Saturday’s downhill race, into fourth position.

Reflecting on her stellar performance, Goggia expressed her joy and determination on the slopes, stating, “Today I felt happy and I brought my joy on skis. With the starting number 13, one of the last numbers of the first group, if I end up with the green light then I am going to do the samba.”

The weekend in Beaver Creek marked a remarkable comeback for Goggia, who had suffered a tibia fracture during a training crash in Italy just 10 months ago. Despite the setback, she showcased her resilience and skill on the slopes, delivering a flawless run that secured her seventh World Cup super-G title.

Gut-Behrami initially set the pace in the race, but Goggia’s fearless and intense performance quickly propelled her to the top spot. With impeccable timing and power, particularly in the lower sections of the challenging track, Goggia demonstrated her prowess and determination.

“It was not so difficult as a super-G, but the visibility was really low,” Goggia explained. “But I knew that I had to stay a little bit careful and pay attention to the first five gates, and then I could let my horses run.”

Goggia’s victory at Beaver Creek not only showcased her exceptional talent and resilience but also solidified her status as one of the top contenders in women’s alpine skiing. Her remarkable comeback story serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide, highlighting the power of perseverance and passion in overcoming adversity on the path to success.