Sofia Goggia made an impressive return to competitive skiing with a second-place finish at the world-renowned Birds of Prey ski course at Beaver Creek, Colorado, on December 14, 2024. This marked Goggia's first race back after suffering serious injuries—including fractures to her tibia and fibula—nearly eleven months ago.
After 318 days away from the slopes, Goggia showcased her skills and determination, crossing the finish line with a time of 1:32.54, only 16 hundredths of a second behind the winner, Cornelia Huetter from Austria, who clocked 1:32.38. Goggia’s performance not only captured the attention of skiing fans worldwide but also demonstrated her resilience as she returned to the sport she loves.
“I raced well, but not exceptionally—it feels like I skied at only 80% of my potential,” Goggia remarked after the race, reflecting on her performance. Despite the disappointment of narrowly missing the top spot, she expressed satisfaction with her result. “Those 16 hundredths are now my motivation for the upcoming super-G race,” she added, hinting at her fierce competitive spirit.
The downhill race at Beaver Creek was Goggia's first of the 2024/25 World Cup season, signaling her comeback to the elite level of the sport. Before her injury, Goggia had established herself as one of the leading competitors, even winning Olympic gold at PyeongChang 2018. Saturday's race was not just about placement; it was about regaining confidence on the piste after such a tumultuous period. Goggia had hinted before the race of her apprehensions but quickly silenced them with her speed and agility.
Goggia smoothly navigated the challenging course's technical aspects, managing to control her speed effectively on the long turns it is famous for. She initially showed signs of apprehension during earlier training runs, where she expressed concerns about certain sections of the track. Yet, as the race progressed, her confidence surged, and she demonstrated remarkable control and proficiency, earning her place on the podium.
The field of competitors was formidable, with Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland finishing just behind Goggia at 1:32.72. Both skiers, along with Huetter, were under the watchful eyes of fans and the media alike, emphasizing the event’s significance as the opening for speed events of the skiing season.
Goggia’s podium finish was not only personal triumph but also part of the Italian team’s successful outing. Marta Bassino secured the seventh position with her own impressive time of 1:33.02, closely followed by Federica Brignone, who clocked 1:33.25 for ninth place. Laura Pirovano capped off the strong showing for the Italian contingent by placing 11th, assuring fans of Italy's place among the top competitors.
Beyond the numbers, the atmosphere surrounding Goggia's return was charged with emotion. She had previously opened up about her struggles during recovery, which included severe physical limitations and mental challenges as she coped with being sidelined from skiing. “There were moments this summer when I was so close to giving up everything,” she admitted. The sentiment of overcoming such struggles lent even more weight to her performance on Saturday.
Looking forward, Goggia expressed cautious optimism about her future races and the upcoming super-G competition, set for December 15. “It’s about incrementing my performance and finding my rhythm,” she said, eager to continue competing at high levels. With every race, she is not just chasing points but also regaining the essence of what it feels like to be back on the slopes.
Her determination reflects the spirit of athletes who often face setbacks. Goggia’s return has not only reignited her ambition but also inspired fans worldwide, proving once again why she is considered one of the most formidable talents on snow.