KVITFJELL, Norway (AP) — German skier Emma Aicher won a World Cup downhill on Saturday for her first victory, one day after she earned the maiden podium result of her career.
Following a flawless second part of her run on the Olympiabakken course, Aicher edged out Lauren Macuga by 0.03 seconds, denying the American what would have been her first downhill triumph.
“It’s unbelievable. I didn’t think this was going to happen, especially in downhill, but I’m really happy with my skiing right now. It’s nice,” Aicher said.
The 21-year-old German prodigy was runner-up to winner Cornelia Huetter in Friday’s downhill. The Austrian placed third on Saturday, 0.19 behind.
Aicher, who wore bib 16 and started after most top-ranked downhillers had raced, brought both hands to her mouth in apparent disbelief when she saw her time at the finish.
Macuga left the leader seat immediately and went straight over to the German to hug her.
After the race, Macuga said she “can’t be upset about (losing by 0.03) as it’s my first downhill podium.”
The second place marked another highlight of the American’s breakout season and came less than two months after she won a World Cup super-G, and three weeks after taking bronze in super-G at the world championships.
Macuga’s previous best in downhill was fourth, from a race in Beaver Creek, Colorado in December.