Italy’s former Olympic champion Sofia Goggia overcame “some shortcomings” to claim her first downhill win of the season in Austria on Saturday.
The 31-year-old beat Austria’s Stéphanie Benier by 0.10 seconds after recovering from a mistake on the flat part of the slope.
Goggia admitted that his run was far from perfect, with “a few flaws at the top”, but it was his 18th World Cup success in this event and his second of the season after the super-G in St. Moritz. It was enough to seal the victory.
Austria’s Mirjam Puchner finished third with a time of 0.34 seconds, tied with Italy’s Nicole Delago, who returned to the podium for the first time in four years.
Goggia, a four-time professional glove holder, has finished on the podium in 10 of the past 12 World Cup downhill events, but has not won in his favorite event since February 2023.
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At the finish line on Saturday, she exclaimed with relief when she saw herself in the lead.
The former Olympic downhill champion has never been on the podium before at the Austrian resort, having suffered two falls in February 2011, including a head injury.
“It was a very solid race. I wasn’t precise on the two passes, but I always kept my footing,” Goggia said.
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Delgado was happy to be back on the podium.
“It wasn’t an easy time for me,” she said.
“I’m very happy. I believe that the path I chose is the right one. I’m grateful to the people who have always been by my side.”