In a thrilling start to the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria, 22-year-old Lauren Macuga from the Stifel U.S. Ski Team clinched a bronze medal in the super-G. This achievement makes her the youngest skier in 13 years to win a medal in a speed event at the World Championships.
After her run, Macuga shared her mindset with excitement. “I kept pushing myself, telling myself to give it everything,” she said. She knew the course had challenging sections, especially the big jumps, but her focus helped her navigate through it all.
The weather was beautiful, creating ideal conditions for the race. The skiers were well-prepared, having practiced on the slope earlier in the week under the watchful eye of their coach.
Macuga was the first U.S. skier to race, wearing bib 14. She charged down the course confidently, though she did lose some momentum midway. In a nail-biting finish, she ended up tying for third with Norway’s Kajsa Lie.
Reflecting on her journey, Macuga said, “At the start of the year, I just wanted to make the team. Now, it’s exciting to see my progress.”
Lauren isn’t the only standout athlete in her family. She has two sisters on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. While her father and sister Alli are in Park City, competing in moguls, her mom Amy was proudly cheering from the finish line in Saalbach. Lauren and her mother shared a heartfelt moment after her run, highlighting the support that keeps her motivated.
“Having my mom here is incredible. It makes this experience even more special,” Macuga said.
This season, Macuga has consistently impressed in speed events. She celebrated her first World Cup win at the St. Anton super-G in January and achieved a personal best with a fourth-place finish in downhill at Beaver Creek. Now, adding a World Championships medal to her resume in her debut appearance is a huge milestone.
Austria’s Stephanie Venier took home the gold, while Italy’s Federica Brignone secured the silver. Other U.S. athletes, Breezy Johnson and Keely Cashman, also competed but finished in 19th and 24th place, respectively. Meanwhile, Lindsey Vonn had a tough day. She was performing well until she accidentally hooked a gate with her arm, causing her to crash. Thankfully, she’s okay.
Looking ahead, the men’s super-G is set to take place next, continuing the excitement of the World Championships.
