Lindsey Vonn emerged as the highest-placed American skier in Friday’s FIS World Cup super-G held in La Thuile, Italy. The 40-year-old veteran clocked a time of 58.65 seconds on the challenging 3 Franco Berthod course, securing 13th place. Italy’s Federica Brignone clinched victory by a razor-thin margin of 0.01 seconds over compatriot Sofia Goggia, marking her 10th win of the season.
Reflecting on her performance, Vonn told U.S. Ski and Snowboard representative Sierra Ryder, “Today was definitely an improvement from yesterday, though I wish I could’ve pushed harder. I’m just missing those crucial tenths of a second.” The race followed a mixed weekend for Vonn in Norway, where she placed 13th, 16th, and 16th across three speed events, and a disappointing Did Not Finish (DNF) in Thursday’s La Thuile super-G.
Warmer temperatures on Friday softened the course, favoring earlier starters. Vonn, wearing bib No. 4, capitalized on her position despite a slower initial split (34th fastest). She surged in the final sector, posting the sixth-quickest time in that stretch. “Finishing today was key,” Vonn added. “It’s been an inconsistent season, so this solid run boosts my confidence heading into the Finals.”
Other American competitors included Lauren Macuga (19th) and Jackie Wiles (30th), while Breezy Johnson, Tricia Mangan, Keely Cashman, and Allison Mollin finished outside the top 30.
Brignone, 34, continued her historic season, earning a career-high 14th podium. She now leads the overall, downhill, and super-G standings and trails the giant slalom leader by just 20 points. With the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley approaching, Brignone aims to join an elite group as only the fifth skier ever to claim four discipline titles in a single season.
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