Swiss skiing sensation Marco Odermatt kicked off the World Cup super-G season with a victory at Copper Mountain on U.S. Thanksgiving, while Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s return after a two-year hiatus brought Mikaela Shiffrin to tears. Odermatt, who had previously triumphed in the giant slalom at Soelden, continued his dominant form in the lead-up to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February. The race in Colorado marked Odermatt’s impressive performance, as he edged out Vincent Kriechmayr by 0.08 seconds to claim the top spot, denying Austria a sweep with Raphael Haaser and Stefan Babinsky following closely behind.
Expressing satisfaction with his run, Odermatt, the defending overall champion, highlighted his strong strategy and performance throughout the course. On the other hand, Kilde, the 2020 overall champion, made a poignant comeback after a long absence due to injuries sustained in a downhill crash in January 2024, leaving Shiffrin visibly emotional at his return to competition. Despite finishing tied for 24th, Kilde’s resilience and determination were evident, considering the physical challenges he faced post-surgery.
The competition also saw Canadian skiers in action, with Jack Crawford leading the pack in 16th place, followed by Riley Seger, Jeffrey Read, Brodie Seger, Cam Alexander, and Raphael Lessard. The event marked the first of nine super-G races in a season influenced by the upcoming Olympics, with Beaver Creek set to host the next race. Odermatt’s victory at Copper Mountain was his 47th World Cup win and his 16th in super-G, solidifying his position among the sport’s greats.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation noted that Odermatt’s podium finish tied him for third in men’s all-time super-G standings with Kjetil Jansrud, underscoring his remarkable career achievements. Fans can catch the action live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem, with the broadcast schedule available on CBC Sports for further details on upcoming events.
