American alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn continues to demonstrate formidable form ahead of the Winter Olympics, securing her seventh World Cup podium of the season with a second-place finish in Sunday’s super-G event in Tarvisio, Italy. The 41-year-old veteran finished just 0.27 seconds behind Germany’s Emma Aicher, who claimed her fourth career World Cup victory.
This remarkable performance follows Vonn’s third-place finish in Saturday’s downhill event on the same course, reinforcing her status as a serious contender despite her recent return from retirement. The 2010 Olympic downhill champion attributes her successful comeback to a titanium knee replacement that has eliminated previous pain barriers.
Tarvisio has proven to be particularly favorable terrain for Vonn, who has never failed to reach the podium at this venue. Her record now stands at two victories, five second-place finishes, and one third-place achievement at the Italian resort, which returned to the World Cup circuit after a 15-year absence.
“It was a good race today,” Vonn told Italian broadcaster RAI. “Tough conditions with the visibility, but I’m really happy to be on the podium again. Of course I’m close to another win but it is what it is. I think I’ll save the hundredths for Cortina!”
The competition saw significant shifts in the super-G standings, with Italy’s Sofia Goggia claiming the discipline lead despite a sixth-place finish. Goggia now holds a 10-point advantage over Vonn, who maintains a commanding lead in the downhill standings.
New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, previously leading the super-G rankings, suffered a dramatic crash after the final jump that left her nearly three seconds behind the winner and visibly distressed. This setback drops Robinson 20 points behind Goggia in the standings.
The event raises questions about Italy’s Olympic prospects, as overall World Cup title holder Federica Brignone continues to recover from a double leg fracture sustained in April. Brignone may arrive at the Olympic starting gate without having competed in any events this winter, potentially forgoing Tuesday’s giant slalom in Kronplatz.