Federica Brignone claimed victory on home ground, winning first place in Sunday’s super-G World Cup race held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Italy’s Federica Brignone delivered an exceptional performance on Sunday, claiming victory in the World Cup super-G on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Her win comes on the heels of teammate Sofia Goggia’s triumph in the downhill race just a day earlier, marking a weekend of dominance for the host nation on the same slopes that will host the women’s skiing events during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Brignone showcased her skill and determination, completing the challenging course 0.58 seconds ahead of Olympic super-G gold medalist Lara Gut-Behrami from Switzerland. Another Swiss skier, Olympic downhill champion Corinne Suter, finished third, trailing Brignone by 1.08 seconds. Reflecting on her impressive performance, Brignone stated, “I pressed down on the gas pedal the entire way down.” Her aggressive and calculated approach paid off, securing her position as a formidable competitor on the global stage.
This weekend’s results underline Italy’s growing strength in women’s skiing, with Brignone and Goggia emerging as top contenders for the upcoming Olympics. Goggia, who earned downhill gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, finished seventh in the super-G but remained optimistic. “Things change year to year and can also change day to day,” she remarked. “But these are super positive signs.” Both athletes are positioning themselves as strong successors to their Swiss rivals, Gut-Behrami and Suter, for the 2026 Games.
While the weekend was a celebration for Italy, it was a challenging one for skiing legend Lindsey Vonn. The 40-year-old veteran, who recently returned to the sport after nearly six years of retirement, faced a setback when she fell midway through her super-G run. Vonn, competing with a titanium knee, avoided serious injury and got back up quickly, demonstrating her resilience and determination. Despite the fall, her return to competitive skiing has been inspiring for fans and fellow athletes alike.
Vonn has a special connection to the Cortina course, holding a record 12 wins on these slopes. Her decision to return to the sport has been met with widespread admiration, and she has already announced plans to retire again after the 2026 Olympics. Her presence on the circuit, even amidst challenges, adds a layer of excitement and inspiration to the competition.
Brignone’s win also extends her lead in the overall World Cup standings, further solidifying her status as a favourite for the upcoming Olympic season. The strong performances by Italian skiers this weekend suggest a shift in dominance within women’s skiing, with the host nation for the 2026 Olympics proving to be a serious contender on home turf.
