Lara Gut-Behrami triumphed at the Super-G at the World Cup final in Sun Valley, USA, on March 23, 2025, marking a significant return to her dominating form in alpine skiing. The Swiss skier not only clinched the event but also secured the season title in the discipline for an impressive sixth time, further solidifying her status among the legends of the sport.
Before the race, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Gut-Behrami needed a strong performance to overcome a five-point deficit behind Italy's Federica Brignone in the discipline standings. A week prior, Brignone had taken the top position following her successful races in La Thuile, Aosta Valley, which had propelled her ahead of Gut-Behrami. Previously, Gut-Behrami enjoyed a comfortable lead of 55 points, but as the season progressed, the competition heated up.
In an interview ahead of the race, Gut-Behrami expressed her refreshed passion for skiing, saying, "I'm enjoying driving again." Her joy was evident throughout the race as she displayed a skill level reminiscent of her younger years. From the moment she pushed off at the start, she radiated confidence, smiling as she navigated the course with finesse.
As the race unfolded, it became apparent that Gut-Behrami was on a mission. She executed each turn with precision, reminiscent of the best performances earlier in her career. After a flawless run, she crossed the finish line with a decisive margin, defeating Brignone by an impressive 1.33 seconds. Brignone, despite her efforts, finished third and could not keep pace with the relentless pace set by Gut-Behrami.
Finishing just ahead of Brignone was alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn. At the age of 40, Vonn made headlines by becoming the oldest athlete to secure a position on a World Cup podium, a milestone she achieved even after years away from competitive skiing. In a moment filled with emotion and disbelief, Vonn remarked, "It’s madness! So many people said I was too old. No one thought I could do this, but I believed in myself." Her return to the slopes and capture of second place was as inspiring as Gut-Behrami's victory.
The victory at Sun Valley marked Gut-Behrami's 47th world cup win overall, setting a remarkable benchmark in her career that began with early promise and now flourishes in her maturity. After securing her sixth Super-G crystal ball, a feat unmatched in skiing history for both female and male athletes, she stated, "I was aware that I needed to show my best skiing to have a chance." Her performance was not just about triumph, but also a celebration of the joy and love of skiing that she had rediscovered.
In this season alone, Gut-Behrami showcased remarkable consistency in Super-G racing, winning two out of nine races and finishing in the top five in every event. Her resilience shone through as she maneuvered the pressures of competition and the weight of expectations, showcasing her elite level of skill.
As reporters and fans celebrated her remarkable achievements, the conversation quickly pivoted to what this meant for the future. Gut-Behrami concluded her season with a historic win, but the looming question remained—how much longer can she continue to compete at this incredible level? With figures like Vonn, who continues to astonish with her persistence, the discussions around age and performance in extreme sports only deepen.
Overall, the World Cup final in Sun Valley served as a capstone to an extraordinary chapter of skiing as both veterans exhibited skill and spirit that left audiences eager for even more. With her latest triumph, Lara Gut-Behrami not only closed the gap on her competitors but also lifted the spirits of ski lovers worldwide, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of skiers.
