Lara Gut-Behrami, the defending overall World Cup champion, has finally found her footing this season, securing a thrilling victory in the Super-G event at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This win marks a significant turning point in Gut-Behrami’s campaign, which had been marred by a slow start and struggles to regain her confidence.
Gut-Behrami’s path to victory was not without its challenges. The Swiss skier had to overcome a sluggish beginning to the season, which saw her miss the opening race in October. She then faced a daunting task in trying to rediscover her form, having to “find the confidence back, the way to push on the skis again.” However, Gut-Behrami’s perseverance paid off, as she racked up three consecutive second-place finishes in Super-G events before finally claiming the top spot on Sunday.
This victory is a testament to Gut-Behrami’s remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure. She has now won at least one World Cup race in 11 of the past 12 seasons, with the 2018-19 season being the only exception. Gut-Behrami’s win has also closed the gap to leader Federica Brignone in the overall season standings to 70 points, setting up an exciting battle for the top spot.
Meanwhile, American skier Mikaela Shiffrin is expected to make her return to competition after a two-month absence due to an abdominal injury that required surgery. Shiffrin, a five-time overall World Cup champion, will compete in a night slalom in France on Thursday, marking her first race since her injury.
The Garmisch-Partenkirchen event was not without its drama, as Austrian skier Ariane Raedler suffered a nasty tumble when she lost balance over a patch of softer snow. Fortunately, Raedler appeared to have escaped injury and was able to get back to her feet quickly.
In other news, Lindsey Vonn has announced plans to retire again after the Milan-Cortina Olympics next year. Vonn, a legendary American skier, has had a storied career, and her impending retirement will undoubtedly be met with a mix of sadness and celebration from fans around the world.
As the World Cup season heats up, Gut-Behrami’s win in Garmisch-Partenkirchen serves as a reminder of her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. With Shiffrin’s return to competition imminent, the battle for the overall title is set to become even more intense, making for an thrilling conclusion to the season.
