Olympia Women’s Downhill: Open Race as Vonn, Swiss Skiers Face Uncertainty
The women’s downhill race at the Olympics is set to take place on Sunday, promising an exciting showdown among the top athletes. With a remarkable lineup of contenders, fans anticipate a thrilling competition.
Top Contenders for the Women’s Downhill Race
- Sofia Goggia (Italy)
- Emma Aicher (Germany)
- Kira Weidle-Winkelmann (Germany)
- Lindsey Vonn (USA)
- Nicol Delago (Italy)
- Cornelia Hütter (Austria)
- Malorie Blanc (Switzerland)
Sofia Goggia, despite not securing any World Cup downhill victories this season, is regarded as a leading contender for the gold medal. The 2022 Olympic silver medalist aims for her third Olympic medal, driven by the memories of her gold in 2018. With four World Cup victories and three additional podium finishes in Cortina, she stands as a formidable competitor.
Emma Aicher has also emerged as a significant threat. After her triumph in St. Moritz, she ranks second in the overall standings. Close behind is her compatriot Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, whose consistency throughout the season has already earned her two second-place finishes.
Lindsey Vonn’s Comeback
In a surprising turn, Lindsey Vonn, a two-time season champion, signs up for the Olympics despite a serious injury. A severe fall at Crans-Montana resulted in a torn ligament. Nevertheless, she has showcased her ability to race during training sessions, though doubts linger about the extent of her injury’s impact on her performance.
Additional Medal Contenders
The competition will not only feature Goggia and Aicher; several other athletes are also in contention for medals. Nicol Delago and Cornelia Hütter have already secured victories in World Cup downhill events this season. Other athletes to watch include Laura Pirovano and Nina Ortlieb, who are displaying exceptional form as well.
Switzerland’s Hopefuls
Malorie Blanc stands out as Switzerland’s leading hopeful following her first season victory in the Super-G at Crans-Montana, marking a significant uplift after a challenging speed season. Other Swiss competitors include:
- Corinne Suter
- Jasmine Flury
- Janine Schmitt
As the reigning Olympic champion from 2022, Corinne Suter is typically a favorite. However, her recent injuries have hampered her season start. Jasmine Flury has proven her prowess by clinching gold at the 2023 World Championships but, like Suter, seeks a breakthrough this season after a lengthy recovery. Janine Schmitt, despite limited experience, made an impressive statement with a fifth-place finish in Zauchensee earlier this year.
Event Details
The race day begins with a pre-show starting at 11:00 AM on SRF Zwei and the SRF Sport app. The competition will commence at 11:30 AM, where fans can follow the event via live stream and updates. This year’s event promises to be a captivating showcase of skill and resilience.
