Key Takeaways:

• Lauren Macuga wins her first World Cup race in super-G, finishing 0.68 seconds ahead of her rivals.
• Lindsey Vonn returns to the World Cup circuit, finishing fourth in an impressive performance.
• Macuga celebrated with teammates, highlighting a promising future for the young American skier.
• This victory marks Macuga’s continued rise in competitive skiing, showcasing her potential in the sport.

ST. ANTON, Austria (AP) — Lauren Macuga celebrated her first World Cup race victory on Sunday in the super-G, a feat made all the more remarkable as legendary skier Lindsey Vonn returned to the spotlight with an impressive fourth-place finish. The 22-year-old American exemplified her recent upward trajectory in performance, navigating the challenging course with speed and precision.

Macuga's winning time was notably fast, surpassing her nearest competitor, Stephanie Venier of Austria, by 0.68 seconds, solidifying her position as a rising star in the skiing world. Other veterans such as Federica Brignone and Lara Gut-Behrami struggled, with Brignone finishing 0.92 seconds behind Macuga and Gut-Behrami falling 1.26 seconds short of victory.

In what was her third race since her comeback at age 40, Vonn showcased her tenacity, finishing just 1.24 seconds behind Macuga despite moments of brilliance during the run. Following the race, Macuga was seen energetically celebrating, visibly proud of both her accomplishment and Vonn’s performance.

Having watched Vonn ski wearing the bib number 31, Macuga reflected on the significance of their shared journey in the sport, particularly given Vonn's iconic status as an athlete who competed in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics—just months before Macuga was born. The young skier is currently on her third full season within the World Cup tour and had previously achieved six top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place ranking in a recent downhill event.

Both Macuga’s and Vonn’s performances at this event have drawn positive attention, as fans and sponsors alike are expected to take notice of their talents, particularly Macuga’s as she aims for continued success on the international stage.

For more details from the event, you can read the coverage on The Guardian and AP News.