New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, who was leading the Olympic season’s giant slalom rankings, has now emerged as a contender in super-G as well. Robinson secured her first-ever victory in the super-G discipline by winning a World Cup event on Sunday in St. Moritz, Switzerland. She completed the race in 1 minute 14.84 seconds, edging out Romane Miradoli of France by 8-100ths of a second and Sofia Goggia of Italy by 19-100ths of a second.
Expressing her surprise at the win, Robinson stated, “Crazy. I was not expecting this today. I always felt like I was holding back in super-G a bit but not a part of me was scared today. I just wanted to go for it.” American skier Lindsey Vonn, aged 41, finished fourth, trailing by 0.27 seconds. Vonn, who recently became the oldest winner in the circuit’s history during a downhill event, expressed disappointment in herself for not pushing hard enough and being too conservative in some sections.
Mikaela Shiffrin, holder of a record 104 World Cup victories, missed the final gate but managed to stay on her feet. Shiffrin, who had not participated in a speed race since her crash two years ago in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, is still recovering from a previous crash that left her with a deep puncture wound on her abdomen.
German skier Emma Aicher, winner of the previous downhill race, fell early in her run after losing control over a jump but quickly recovered without any apparent injuries. The U.S. ski team head coach set a challenging course that also posed difficulties for several other racers, despite the perfect weather conditions of clear and sunny skies.
Robinson’s success in the giant slalom races this season, coupled with her breakthrough win in the super-G, positions her as a strong contender in two disciplines for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. With the Women’s Alpine skiing events scheduled for the Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy from February 6 to 22, Robinson’s recent achievements have bolstered her overall standing, moving her up to second place in the rankings and closing in on Shiffrin’s lead by 64 points.
As the circuit moves to France for a night slalom in Courchevel followed by more speed races in Val d’Isere, the competition intensifies, setting the stage for further thrilling performances.