Federica Brignone secured her 29th career victory by triumphing at the Women's Alpine Skiing World Cup giant slalom event held at Semmering, Austria, on December 28, 2024. The experienced skier from Aosta demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience, finishing with over half a second advantage over Olympic champion Sara Hector and New Zealand's Alice Robinson, who took third place. This latest win saw Brignone extend her remarkable legacy, solidifying her status as one of the greatest talents ever seen on the slopes.
During the event, Brignone, 34, not only extended her record as the oldest winner of a Women's World Cup race, set earlier this season at Sölden, but she also brought her career podium total to 71, marking Semmering as the 31st different World Cup venue where she has stepped onto the podium. Brignone's consistent performance saw her take the top time during the first run and second in the second run, alluding to her strategic approach and experience on the course.
“Semmering, lo devo ammettere, era un mio obiettivo, perchè era qualcosa che mi mancava. Dicevo: 'Semmering mi manca, Semmering mi manca', è stato un podio voluto. Sono contentissima,” said Brignone after her victory, reflecting on her motivations and the significance of the win.
The competition was intensified by the absence of star skiers like Mikaela Shiffrin, still recovering from her injuries, along with Petra Vlhova, who was out of the race entirely. Shiffrin's absence has significantly reshaped the competitive dynamics of the World Cup, allowing athletes like Camille Rast, who is leading the overall standings, to step forward and claim attention. Rast had just finished third at her previous two races and took victory at Killington, marking her as the must-watch competitor moving forward.
Rast's rise and subsequent leadership have brought excitement and unpredictability to the circuit. Experts and fans alike are curious as to how these adjustments will continue to make headlines through the season. “Non ci saremmo aspettati di vedere Camille Rast al comando della classifica generale di Coppa del Mondo,” noted commentary surrounding the dynamics of the season.
Brignone’s latest win at Semmering not only boosts her confidence but also invigorates her approach as she gears up for the next stages of the season. “Si riparte da Kranjska [Gora, Slovenia], poi si continua no-stop tutto il mese di gennaio, sarà un mese impegnativo,” Brignone stated, sharing her plans and her hopes for races to come.
Other notable performances included Valerie Grenier, placing fourth, and Paula Moltzan, the highest-ranked American finishing fifth, contributing to the suspense of the series. Julia Scheib captivated local fans with her second run, climbing from 13th to 6th place, making her mark against the challenging backdrop of her competitors, including compatriot and ski star Marta Bassino, who placed seventh.
The excitement doesn’t stop here, as the next slalom race at Semmering is set for December 29, 2024, featuring another round of gripping competition and the chance for athletes to showcase their talents. The mountain venue promises not just thrill but also the anticipation of outcomes as veterans and rising stars clash on the slopes.
Aside from the anticipation surrounding the races, Brignone's infectious enthusiasm for the sport is palpable. She showed positive signs of resilience and adaptation throughout the initial races of the season, which were primarily speed events. “Mi piace la sfida, mi piace continuare a sfidare me stessa,” Brignone expressed, highlighting the competitive spirit within her and her relentless pursuit of excellence even as she balances challenges like injuries.
With her remarkable career, Brignone's reflections and insights offer inspiration, promising fans and supporters ample excitement as the Alpine Skiing World Cup continues to progress. The pressure builds with every race, as athletes prepare for not just competitions, but also the stories and experiences each event brings. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter as the series moves forward, and all eyes will be on the slopes once again.