Soldeu, Andorra – Ester Ledecká, the Czech Republic’s dual-sport star, finished sixth in the super-G race at the World Cup event in Soldeu on Friday, marking a strong return to form after a challenging Olympic Winter Games in Italy. The result comes as Ledecká credits a rapid recovery, facilitated by Professor Jan Kolář, for allowing her to compete at a high level so soon after the Games. The victory in the women’s super-G went to Italy’s Sofia Goggia, while Johannes Klaebo of Norway and Heidi Weng of Norway triumphed in the skiathlon events in Falun, Sweden.
Ledecká’s performance in Soldeu was a marked improvement following difficulties experienced at the recent Olympics. While details of those struggles weren’t immediately available, Ledecká emphasized the crucial role of Professor Kolář in getting her back on the slopes. “He put me back on my feet in a week,” Ledecká said, according to reports. This quick turnaround allowed her to compete effectively in Andorra, securing a top-10 finish and demonstrating her resilience.
The 30-year-old Ledecká, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, finished 78 hundredths of a second behind Goggia in the super-G. Barbora Nováková, the second Czech competitor, achieved a personal best with a 42nd-place finish. Goggia’s win solidified her lead in the super-G discipline standings, with Emma Aicher of Germany in third place. Aicher finished second in Soldeu, just 24 hundredths behind Goggia, adding to her successful weekend.
Ledecká’s consistent performance in Soldeu – achieving three top-10 finishes – highlights her adaptability across disciplines. She expressed her satisfaction with the event, praising the organization as one of the best she’s experienced. “I think these were great races. I’m particularly happy that I could race here. Three results in the top ten are great. Especially that we really enjoyed it here with the team, it was one of the best-organized races I’ve ever raced,” Ledecká stated.
The Czech skier also revealed she had overcome back problems that plagued her during the Olympic super-G. “I would like to thank Professor Kolář very much for putting me back on my feet during the week. After I drove in great pain in Cortina, I was able to start the races the following week and still enjoy them without pain,” she explained. This suggests a significant physical challenge during the Olympics, now seemingly resolved thanks to the intervention of Professor Kolář.
The super-G race in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, originally scheduled to coincide with the Soldeu event, was canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions. This meant Ledecká’s race in Soldeu took on added importance as one of the few opportunities for super-G competition in this part of the World Cup schedule.
While Ledecká didn’t secure a medal in Soldeu, her sixth-place finish represents a positive step forward. She has eight top-10 finishes this season, demonstrating her continued competitiveness. The result also underscores her unique ability to excel in both snowboarding and alpine skiing, a feat rarely achieved in the world of professional sports.
Looking ahead, Ledecká will continue to compete on the World Cup circuit. Her next scheduled event is currently unconfirmed, but she is expected to participate in upcoming races as she prepares for future competitions. The focus will be on maintaining her momentum and building on the positive results achieved in Soldeu.
The success of Emma Aicher, extending her momentum from the Olympics, is also noteworthy. Her dominant win in Soldeu further establishes her as a rising star in alpine skiing. The competition between Aicher and Goggia is expected to be a key storyline throughout the remainder of the season.
For fans following Ledecká’s career, her recovery and return to form are a testament to her dedication and the expertise of her support team. The quick turnaround facilitated by Professor Kolář has allowed her to continue pursuing her goals and representing the Czech Republic with pride on the international stage.
The World Cup season continues, with athletes vying for valuable points in the overall standings. Ledecká’s performance in Soldeu has boosted her position, and she will be looking to build on this success in the races to come. Stay tuned for further updates on her progress and the ongoing World Cup action.
Next up for Ledecká is continued competition on the World Cup circuit, with specific dates and locations to be announced. Fans can follow her progress and the latest updates on the official World Cup website and through Czech national sports outlets.
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