ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — Austrian skier Cornelia Huetter silenced the Swiss crowd when she finished ahead of home favorite Lara Gut-Behrami to win a World Cup super-G on Saturday, December 21, 2024. The race also marked the return of Lindsey Vonn, the American standout, who crossed the finish line in 14th place after nearly six years of retirement.
Huetter’s victory came on the heels of her success at the downhill competition in Beaver Creek, Colorado, the previous weekend, marking her second consecutive win. She trailed Olympic champion Gut-Behrami at every checkpoint but managed to make up time during the lower section of the Corvaglia course, finishing just 0.18 seconds faster.
No Austrian skier had won the super-G event in St. Moritz since Michaela Dorfmeister achieved the feat back in 2006. Huetter expressed her mixed emotions after the race, stating, “After inspection, I thought it would be a little bit easier. But then when I skied down, I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, it’s not easy, it’s really tough.’” She added, “The last part I was skiing really good.”
Finishing second was Gut-Behrami, who secured her spot by demonstrating her skill but admitted, “I did a few mistakes today, which cost me a lot.” Italy’s Sofia Goggia claimed third place, finishing 0.33 seconds behind Huetter. Goggia's podium finish marked her third consecutive result since returning from injury.
The competition drew attention not only for its thrilling racing but also for Vonn’s much-anticipated return. Vonn, renowned for her illustrious skiing career, placed 1.18 seconds behind Huetter. She shared her feelings leading up to this race, saying, “Today was the perfect start. I had a solid run, got to the finish.”
While Vonn’s performance may not have placed her at the top, her presence was notable. She remarked, “I felt really good,” reflecting on the excitement and nerves accompanying her return to the slopes after five years away from competitive skiing.
Huetter's victory today adds to her impressive record, making it her eighth World Cup win and her fifth victory in super-G. Last season, she also claimed the season-long World Cup downhill title, showing her consistent top-level performance.
Looking forward, another super-G race is scheduled for St. Moritz on Sunday, promising more action for ski fans and competitors alike.
