Lauren Macuga Wins First World Cup, Vonn Impresses in Comeback

ST. ANTON, Austria — Lauren Macuga, a 22-year-old rising star, claimed her first World Cup victory in a super-G race on Sunday, while skiing legend Lindsey Vonn continued her impressive comeback with a fourth-place finish. Macuga’s win marked a significant milestone in her career, as she outpaced seasoned competitors on a challenging course.

Macuga finished 0.68 seconds ahead of Austria’s Cornelia Huetter, with Italy‘s Federica Brignone taking third place. Olympic champion Lara Gut-Behrami finished fifth, 1.26 seconds behind the winner. “I can’t believe it, it’s so exciting,” Macuga said after her victory. “I don’t even think the nerves have settled in. I’m just waiting for it to hit me.”

Vonn, 40, who returned to competitive skiing this season after a six-year retirement, delivered a strong performance despite the challenging conditions. She trailed Macuga by 1.24 seconds but showcased her trademark speed through the steep middle section of the course. “It was a crazy run today,” Vonn said. “I’m also really proud of my teammate Lauren. It’s really nice to be part of such a fun team.”

Macuga, who hails from Park City, Utah, has been steadily climbing the ranks in her third full season on the World Cup circuit. Her victory on Sunday came in her 30th start, a stark contrast to Vonn’s 396 career starts. The two skiers posed for photos together in the finish area, celebrating a memorable day for the U.S. ski team.

The race also highlighted the depth of talent in women’s skiing, with 21-year-old Swiss skier Malorie Blanc finishing ninth after a surprising second-place finish in Saturday’s downhill. The season now moves to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, a venue that will host events at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Vonn, who has 12 career wins at Cortina, expressed optimism about her performance there. “I hope I can put everything together,” she said.