Sofia Goggia is a phenomenon. © APA / CHRISTIAN PETERSEN

Immediately on the podium: Unbelievable, this Sofia Goggia

The first women's downhill of the season was announced as a spectacle. And that wasn't too much of a promise. In Beaver Creek, the fastest female skiers in the world put on a great show - including Sofia Goggia.

14 December 2024

From: det

Sofia Goggia has had to deal with so many setbacks in her career. The Bergamaskin's injury record is endless. But the way the 2018 Olympic downhill champion keeps coming back is impressive. This was also the case on Saturday in Beaver Creek, where Goggia, after months of injury, promptly took second place on the podium in the first downhill of the season. The 32-year-old was only beaten by Cornelia Hütter, the reigning overall downhill winner.

Nevertheless, Goggia’s performance is once again remarkable. After breaking her tibia last January, the Italian suffered more than ever before. But she fought her way out of this misery and immediately finished second in the very first women's downhill race in Beaver Creek.

Goggia is back to her old self. © APA / CHRISTIAN PETERSEN

It was once again a typical Goggia ride that the fans got to see. Uncompromising, fearless and, as always, extremely fast, "Sofi" rode over the Birds of Prey and crossed the finish line with a comfortable lead. This was only challenged twice: firstly during the ride of Lara Gut-Behrami, who, however, came in just behind and ended up third. Then during the ride of Cornelia Hütter, who was able to crack the Goggia code and rode to victory with a lead of 16 hundredths of a second.

Cornelia Hütter raced to victory. © APA / CHRISTIAN PETERSEN

Hütter was overjoyed after the first Austrian victory this winter. Lindsey Vonn was also happy on Saturday: she started as a forerunner and was greeted with thunderous cheers at the finish. Next week she wants to attack in the race in St. Moritz. With Marta Bassino (7th place) and Federica Brignone (9th), two more Azzurre finished in the top 10. The American Lauren Macuga caused a surprise when she sensationally finished 27th with start number 4 and achieved her best World Cup result.

Room for improvement for South Tyroleans

Meanwhile, there is still room for improvement for the South Tyroleans: Nadia Delago, who finished 27th, still managed to score some World Cup points, while Sara Thaler (36th) and Nicol Delago (37th) placed outside the top 30. For the latter, it was the first race after breaking her collarbone in September.

The first women's speed weekend will be rounded off with a Super-G on Sunday from 19 p.m. SportNews will be there as always with a live ticker in real time.


women's downhill in Beaver Creek