Lara Gut-Behrami showcased her exceptional talent and determination as she claimed victory in the Super G race at the Sun Valley FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals on March 23, 2025. This win not only secured her the race title but also marked her sixth overall Super G crystal globe, a historic achievement in alpine skiing.
Entering the race, Gut-Behrami trailed overall World Cup winner Federica Brignone by five points in the Super G standings, creating an electrifying atmosphere as both skiers competed for the coveted title. The Swiss superstar, wearing start bib number 10, began her run aggressively, establishing a commanding lead against her competitors right from the start.
With a time of 1:12.35, Gut-Behrami outpaced American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn, who finished in second place 1.29 seconds behind, and Brignone, who trailed by 1.33 seconds. This podium finish for Vonn also highlighted her triumphant return to competitive skiing after knee surgery, marking her first top-three finish since 2018.
Reflecting on her race, Gut-Behrami expressed her elation, stating, "It's just a very beautiful and extraordinary thing to win the 'sixth globe'. I'm proud. This takes a lot of energy because you have to compete for a long time. I've realized that without enjoying it, nothing works. I'm enjoying what I'm doing again." These sentiments encapsulate the emotional journey the 33-year-old has undergone in recent seasons, battling inconsistency and pressure.
Gut-Behrami's victory not only adds to her impressive career total of 47 World Cup wins but also cements her position as one of the most dominant figures in Super G history. With this accomplishment, she now holds the record for the most Super G crystal globes, surpassing notable skiing legends such as Lindsey Vonn and Hermann Maier, who each have five.
Federica Brignone, finishing third, acknowledged Gut-Behrami's extraordinary performance, admitting, "Today Lara did another sport." Brignone’s respect for Gut-Behrami's efforts speaks volumes about their competitive yet respectful relationship on the slopes. The Italian skier had already secured the overall title, her second after winning in 2020, and the downhill title—an achievement mathematically assured after heavy snow forced the cancellation of the final downhill event.
While Gut-Behrami celebrated, Brignone was reflective, recognizing that she needed to deliver a remarkable performance to surpass her rival, yet she fell short of accomplishing that on the day. "I should have done something special to beat Lara," said Brignone, emphasizing the high bar Gut-Behrami sets in the sport.
As the dust settles on this thrilling Super G finale, attention shifts to the upcoming giant slalom scheduled for March 25, where both Gut-Behrami and Brignone will again vie for supremacy. Gut-Behrami is eager to continue her successful run, stating, "I’ll need to ski like I’ve done all winter, otherwise I won’t have a chance." Meanwhile, Brignone is determined to maintain her place at the top of the overall standings.
This exciting race concluded an incredible season for Gut-Behrami, who won two of the nine Super G events, came second four times, and consistently finished no lower than fifth. The Reigning Olympic champion’s combination of skill and consistency has made her a formidable competitor in this discipline.
The anticipation builds as fans await the next event, hoping to see another breathtaking showdown between these two remarkable athletes. The energy surrounding alpine skiing continues to grow, fueled by the remarkable athleticism and the competitive spirit demonstrated by skiers like Gut-Behrami and Brignone. Will Gut-Behrami extend her impressive dominance, or will Brignone reclaim the spotlight? Only time will tell as the race is set.
