Italy’s ski star Brignone was deeply impressed by Gut-Behrami
«One of the most intelligent women»
After her victory in St. Anton (Austria), Lara Gut-Behrami (31) received a lot of praise from her competitor Federica Brignone (32, Italy). The two tick very differently.
Published: 13 minutes ago
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Updated: 6 minutes ago
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Spectacle in St. Anton: First Federica Brignone triumphs, …
Mathias Germannreporter sports
They fight a duel at the highest level: Federica Brignone (32) and Lara Gut-Behrami (31). After one Super-G victory in St. Anton (Austria), the Italian is ahead in the fight for the small crystal ball with 209:192 points. Nothing has been decided yet, as there are still five races in the discipline – the next on Sunday in Cortina (It). One thing is already certain: the two exceptional athletes are also among the hottest contenders for gold at the World Championships Super-G on February 8th.
Brignone is already ennobling her competitor: “I respect Lara very much, she has always been a role model and is a champion. It’s unbelievable how much speed she generates on the skis.” The parallels between the two are striking at first glance: they are almost the same age, regularly excel in three disciplines (giant slalom, super-G and downhill) and are perfectionists. Then the similarities end. Though very successful, Brignone is far less confident in her abilities. “Even if I win, I immediately ask myself whether I’ll ever be able to do it again,” she says.
“Others are surprised – I am not”
Brignone and Gut-Behrami are also different on the slopes: the bundle of energy from Milan skis more smoothly and always takes the momentum with her, while the Swiss shoots more directly at the goals and thus makes less distance. Brignone: «Lara is one of the most intelligent women in the ski circus. Her tactics and the way she masters key points are unbelievable.”
Also different: While Gut-Behrami often speaks of the importance of her intuition, Brignone is a master of inspection. For once, she doesn’t hide her light under a bushel: “Even before the race, I know exactly where the ideal line is and how much speed I’m going to drive towards certain spots. Other riders are often surprised in competition – I’m not.”
In Cortina, the duel for the red Super-G jersey goes into the next round. While Brignone has never made it onto the podium at her home race (“I want to change that now”), Gut-Behrami has already won three times on the Tofana – most recently at the 2021 World Championships. “I’m looking forward to it,” said the Ticino.
Attention ski fans! Now quiz and type races
The 2022/2023 ski season is in full swing and so is the “Blick Ski Trophy”: Answer questions every day, type ski races and crown yourself as ski champion. Lots of great prizes await.
To take part in the “Blick Ski Trophy”, you have to register here.
Have fun and good luck!
The 2022/2023 ski season is in full swing and so is the “Blick Ski Trophy”: Answer questions every day, type ski races and crown yourself as ski champion. Lots of great prizes await.
To take part in the “Blick Ski Trophy”, you have to register here.
Have fun and good luck!