European ski competitions over the past week have brought thrilling performances from athletes across the globe, particularly highlighted by events at Zinal and Beaver Creek. The competitions not only set the stage for some fierce rivalries but also provided glimpses of the formidable talents competing for glory this season.
At Zinal, the Swiss camp had an outstanding outing during the first of two super-G races on December 15, 2024. Janine Schmitt, already riding high after last week's success where she placed third in two descents at St. Moritz, continued her strong run of form. She finished just 0.16 seconds behind Italy's asja zenere, who claimed her fifth victory in the European Cup. Schmitt is currently leading the European Cup standings after winning the overall title last winter.
The third-place finish went to Canadian Valérie Grenier, with Malorie Blanc, returning from injury, finishing narrowly off the podium, just 0.03 seconds behind Grenier. Blanc, who has shown remarkable resilience after missing ten months due to injury, is also set to make her World Cup debut this weekend at St. Moritz. Another Swiss athlete, Stefanie Grob, scored solidly at eighth place, followed closely by Delphine Darbellay, who came 11th. With encouraging performances, including Camille Rast finishing 23rd after starting with bib number 46, several others contributed to the strong showing of the Swiss team.
Turning our gaze to the action at Beaver Creek, it was the Italian star Sofia Goggia stealing the spotlight on December 16, 2024, by winning the first super-G of the 2024-2025 World Cup season. Her victory represented her 25th World Cup win, towering above competitors Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland and Austria’s Ariane Raedler, who came second and third respectively, with only 0.48 seconds and 0.55 seconds separating them.
Goggia, fresh off securing silver behind Austria's Cornelia Hütter during the downhill event on the Birds of Prey course, continued to build momentum as she gracefully crossed the finish line. Notably, she even celebrated her win with samba dance steps at the finish line, showcasing her exuberance. Meanwhile, French skier Romane Miradoli also proved her mettle with a commendable 8th place finish, setting her up favorably for the upcoming competitions. Laura Gauché, on the other hand, faced challenges during the event, finishing 27th, and her teammate Karen Clément captured 17th place.
The competitive spirit across both venues has not only provided exciting viewing for ski enthusiasts but has also set the stage for athletes to gain momentum as they head toward more significant competitions. With another super-G scheduled at Zinal shortly, the athletes are poised to build on their performances. The upcoming World Cup events will be anticipated with growing interest as competitors like Schmitt, Goggia, and others continue to chase excellence this season.
For this week’s comebacks and showcases, the results speak volumes about the dedication and skill these athletes possess. With the promise of more thrilling races and outstanding performances, ski fans worldwide remain on the edge of their seats as the competitive season evolves.
