This Sunday, the women’s downhill race promises to be thrilling, with an impressive list of contenders ready to compete for the gold medal.
Sofia Goggia from Italy is being championed as a leading favorite, aiming for her third Olympic medal after securing gold in 2018 and silver in 2022. Despite not being among the four winners of the World Cup downhill this season, Goggia’s impressive track record at the Cortina venue includes four World Cup victories and three other podium finishes, showcasing her strong potential on this course.
Germany’s Emma Aicher also stands out, having triumphed in St. Moritz and currently ranking second in the discipline standings. Close behind her is compatriot Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, who has impressed with her consistency, notching two second-place finishes this season.
While Lindsey Vonn, the American skier who made a comeback specifically for the Olympics, was initially viewed as a top contender, her recent injury raises questions about her performance. After suffering a serious knee injury in Crans-Montana, she is set to race on Sunday, having shown during training that she can handle the course, but the extent of her injury remains uncertain.
Other prominent challengers include Italian Nicol Delago and Austrian Cornelia Hütter, both of whom have already achieved victories in World Cup downhills this season. Swiss skier Malorie Blanc also emerged as a strong competitor, winning her first race of the season in Crans-Montana after a shaky start.
Switzerland’s Corinne Suter, the reigning Olympic champion, is also in the mix, although her recent injury setbacks have delayed her season’s momentum. Jasmine Flury, who clinched gold at the 2023 World Championships, is looking to prove her worth after recovering from her own injury struggles this season. Janine Schmitt, though less experienced, made a notable mark with a fifth-place finish in Zauchensee.
The race is scheduled to start at 11:30 AM, with pre-race programming beginning at 11:00 AM available on SRF zwei, their sports app, and online at srf.ch/sport.
These competitors bring a lot of excitement, showcasing not only their individual talents but also the competitive spirit of ski racing, promising fans an exhilarating event.