Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany…The women’s super-G in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, was a race to remember, especially for Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Keely Cashman, who secured her career-best World Cup result in sixth. With seven American women on the start list—Lauren Macuga, Keely Cashman, Tricia Mangan, Lindsey Vonn, Jackie Wiles, Haley Cutler and Breezy Johnson—it was a strong showing despite challenging weather conditions.

The day started with a mix of rain and snow, making the Garmisch course even more demanding. Snow blanketed the higher sections of the track, while rain drenched the finish area. Despite the weather, the race got underway and the U.S. women gave it their all for the second race on the Garmisch track.

Lauren Macuga, wearing bib nine, was the first American to take on the course, laying down a steady run. Following her was California native Cashman, who faced not just the challenging terrain but also some mental barriers from a crash a couple of years ago on the same course, which resulted in a season-ending injury. Since then, the track has been a mental hurdle for the speed athlete.

“Yesterday was a really hard day. Just being in Garmisch and seeing a lot of crashes… it was hard,” said Cashman. “This is also where I crashed four year ago, and I know that’s a long time to get over it, but this is not something you can get over quickly. So yesterday was tough but today I started with a new mindset.

And to have my personal best in a place like Garmisch… that’s really good!”

But today was different. Now, with a solid result under her belt, Cashman is ready to keep this momentum going.

“Confidence is huge and every race,” she added. “I’ve been trying to chip away at the points and move up in the start list and so to do this today, it’s huge for my confidence going into World Champs.”

With her parents waving the American flag in the finish area, Cashman attacked the course with confidence and composure. She carried speed through the top section, precisely hitting every line and staying in the green, or close to, on the timing splits. Building momentum with each gate, Cashman crossed the finish line in sixth place—a top 10 on the World Cup and a career-best result.

As she crossed the line, Cashman threw her hands in the air. Her teammates cheered her on in the finish area and her parents were just feet away in the crowd. The run wasn’t just a personal victory but a powerful statement about perseverance and overcoming mental barriers.

Next was Vonn. Vonn, who has won on this track five times in the downhill, was ready for the super-G. So far this season, Vonn has put together strong races, considering her taking years away from the sport. She was back in the top 15, securing 13th place. Teammate Macuga was in 12th, stringing together another strong race and continuing to set the pace for her strong 2024-25 World Cup season. Breezy Johnson also punched it into the points, taking 20th place.

The day was ultimately won by Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland, with Kajsa Lie of Norway in second and Federica Brignone in third. Outside of the top 30, Jackie Wiles finished 32nd, Tricia Mangan 34th and Haley Cutler 38th.

Now, the team will rest and reset before the World Championships in Saalbach, Austria.

Source = By Leann Bentley – Stifel U.S. Ski Team
January, 26 2025