Lindsey Vonn receives heartfelt tribute from Sofia Goggia after skiing great's advice leads the Italian to World Cup victory at Birds of Prey

Lindsey Vonn received a heartwarming note of gratitude from Sofia Goggia after her advice helped the Italian skier win the Super-G race at the Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek. While Vonn didn't compete in the race, she tested the course as a forerunner.

Vonn qualified for the 2024/25 World Cup after earning the qualification points during a series of lower-level FIS races last weekend. While she was late to qualify for the races in Beaver Creek, the 40-year-old served as one of three forerunners over the weekend at the venue.

She tested out the slopes ahead of Sunday's Super-G race and passed on some crucial advice to Sofia Goggia. The American's advice proved crucial for the Italian skier, who went on to win the race in 1 minute, 3.90 seconds and gave a shoutout to Vonn following the event.

"After her run as a forerunner, we made a call and she gave me the tips of the today's sg. Thankyou Bella @lindseyvonn," she wrote on Instagram

Sofia Goggia expresses gratitude to Lindsey Vonn for giving her tips

During her post-race interview, the 32-year-old also acknowledged that the American's advice proved 'vital' for her.

“(Vonn) gave me tips and advice. What she said was vital to me. She was right,” she said (via AP)

While it marked the Italian's 25th World Cup victory, Lindsey Vonn will be vying for her 83rd when she takes the slopes in St. Moritz, Switzerland next week.

---

"I’m in the zone" - Lindsey Vonn excited ahead of second World Cup in St. Moritz

STIFEL Birds of Prey FIS World Cup - Lindsey Vonn in action - Source: Getty

Following her forerunner skis on the Birds of Prey at Beaver Creek over the weekend, Lindsey Vonn claimed to be feeling in the zone and ready for her first competitive race in nearly six years.

“I definitely felt it today. I was like, ‘OK, I’ve got a race in a week. I’m in that mindset. I’m in the zone,” Vonn said (via AP)

While the 40-year-old was forced to retire in 2019 following a series of knee injuries in the latter part of her career, she had nonetheless finished as the most decorated female World Cup skier with 82 wins. However, that record is long overtaken by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now stands at 99 wins, and Vonn will surely be eyeing to close in on her if not overtake her.