Lindsey Vonn Secures Second in World Cup Super-G Behind Emma Aicher
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Lindsey Vonn secured second place in the World Cup super-G race, finishing just behind Germany’s Emma Aicher. The race took place in Tarvisio, Italy, under challenging visibility conditions, highlighting Vonn’s exceptional consistency at 41 years old. This marks her seventh podium result in eight races this season, a record unmatched by any other competitor.
Lindsey Vonn’s Impressive Season
Throughout the current season, Vonn has demonstrated remarkable prowess in speed events, with her lowest finish being fourth. In contrast, no other skier has achieved more than three podiums in speed competitions. Vonn’s performance indicates she is a strong contender for medals in both downhill and super-G at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which begin in less than three weeks.
Race Details and Results
During the super-G event, Vonn led Aicher at every checkpoint but lost momentum in the final gates. Aicher, who is 19 years younger than Vonn, claimed victory with a time that was 0.27 seconds faster. Former Olympic champion Ester Ledecka finished third, trailing Vonn by 0.94 seconds. Aicher’s win marks her second victory of the season, making it her fourth career win in total.
- 1st Place: Emma Aicher (Germany) – Time: 0.27 seconds ahead
- 2nd Place: Lindsey Vonn (USA) – Consistent performance this season
- 3rd Place: Ester Ledecka (Czech Republic) – Olympic gold medalist
Challenges Faced
The race was not without its difficulties. New Zealand skier Alice Robinson experienced a crash into a final gate, although she managed to stand up quickly and avoid serious injury. Fog on the upper section of the Prampero course further complicated the race for all competitors.
Aicher expressed her satisfaction with her performance, stating, “I’m happy that I could push through and have no mistakes for once.” She competes across all four disciplines, adding to her versatility on the circuit.
What Lies Ahead
Looking ahead, the women’s circuit will continue in Italy for the Kronplatz giant slalom scheduled for Tuesday. Additionally, only one more series of speed races will occur in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 30-31 before the Winter Olympics.
In another notable development, Italian skier Federica Brignone, the defending overall World Cup champion, has announced her return to the team for the Kronplatz race after recovering from a serious leg injury. Brignone will decide to compete after testing the course on Monday.
The upcoming events promise to be exciting, with Vonn, Aicher, and other top skiers vying for glory on the world stage.
