Lauren Macuga, the 22-year-old speed skier from Park City, is experiencing the excitement of her first Alpine World Championships this week, held in Saalbach, Austria. After a breakout season on the World Cup circuit, where she currently ranks 14th globally, Macuga steps onto the world stage with high hopes.
Macuga's recent success includes her first World Cup victory just last month—a super-G event also held in Austria. This achievement came after she finished the previous season ranked 43rd. With renewed energy and confidence, Macuga feels ready to take on the challenges of the championships, aiming for medals to solidify her rapidly rising career.
“Training was really good,” Macuga shared, reflecting on her preparation. “My first run I just checked out the hill and my second I pushed a little harder.” Her positive mindset and commitment bode well as she approaches the competition with excitement to showcase her skills.
This coming Thursday, Macuga will race the super-G alongside fellow American ski icon Lindsey Vonn, with the downhill races set for Saturday. Macuga, ranked fifth internationally for super-G and sixth for downhill, feels both the pressure and thrill of the competition but is determined to make her mark.
“I think I skied well, and just need to go for it on race day and find the last little bit of speed,” she added, emphasizing the focus required on race day. Macuga and her fellow competitors spent the last three weekends of January training for these championships, taking advantage of their previous weekend off to recharge. She even managed to enjoy some leisure time, shopping in Innsbruck, which added to her readiness. “Nice to take a step back before all the craziness,” Macuga expressed.
Despite the pressures inherent to such high stakes, Macuga doesn’t feel overwhelmed. She recognizes the significance of this moment, saying, “The only purpose of coming here is for a medal. At World Championships, no one cares about fourth or fifth.” Moving forward, her confidence emphasizes her ambition to be among the top competitors. A podium finish would not only signify success at these championships but would also fuel her momentum through the remainder of the season.
After the championships, Macuga's competitive schedule continues this season with only three remaining World Cups. Her focus will then shift to the year-end Cup at Sun Valley, Idaho, the second U.S. Cup of the season. “I get to go home!” Macuga said with excitement. Once the championships wrap up, she plans to head back to Park City for some much-needed downtime, eager to relax on her couch with her cat—recharging her batteries before the last leg of the season.
Macuga's family will also be making their mark on the slopes this weekend. Siblings Alli, Sam, and Daniel will compete at various events, including the Deer Valley freestyle World Cup and the Lake Placid ski jumping World Cup. Celebrated for her achievements, Macuga expressed her enthusiasm not just for her own participation but also for supporting her family. “It’s going to be pretty exciting this weekend. …All pretty big events, and so cool to be able to watch everyone over the same weekend,” she remarked.
Fans eager to follow Macuga and Vonn's progress at the championships can track their results through the event’s official FIS page. Details on where to watch the races are available via the U.S. Ski Team's website, offering ski enthusiasts the chance to witness these thrilling races firsthand. With camaraderie among family and the adrenaline of competitive skiing, Macuga’s first World Championships promises to be as significant as it is exhilarating.