Skiing: Brignone Clinches Second World Cup Overall Title After Sun Valley Cancellation

Sun Valley: Italy’s Federica Brignone secured her second world cup overall title following the cancellation of the downhill race at Sun Valley due to heavy snowfall. The cancellation ensured that the final races of the season would not proceed, and Brignone had mathematically surpassed her Swiss competitor, Lara Gut-Behrami.

According to Ansa News Agency, the 34-year-old skier from Val d’Aosta, who became the first Italian woman to win the overall title in 2020, also claimed this year’s downhill title. Brignone expressed satisfaction with her performance throughout the season. “I was focused on myself all season. Today was a very strange day, but I was calm and I would have tried to do my best anyway, also to take the downhill cup, which is truly special,” she told Sky Sport. She reflected on her efforts to improve her downhill skills, particularly in the sliding section, and looked forward to competing in Sunday’s superG, aiming for another specialty title.

Brignone described the day’s events as a “race of tension,” noting the unusual schedule of morning preparations followed by an afternoon race attempt. Despite the challenges, she remained optimistic about her potential performance. “If they had told me at the beginning of the season, I would never have believed I would arrive at the Finals as the first in the rankings, even in the downhill,” she remarked. She expressed excitement yet maintained focus on the upcoming competition for another world cup specialty.

Brignone stands as the most accomplished Italian female skier, ranking second in world cup race victories only to Alberto Tomba, with 37 wins compared to his 50. Her achievements include two Olympic silvers, a bronze, two world golds, and three silvers, with a total of 84 podium finishes. In addition to her two overall world cup titles, she holds titles in giant slalom, superG, and combined disciplines.