Tina Maze, Anna Fenninger and Lindsey Vonn confirmed their status as medal favourites at the opening race of the World Alpine Ski Championships. Foto: Reuters
Tina Maze, Anna Fenninger and Lindsey Vonn confirmed their status as medal favourites at the opening race of the World Alpine Ski Championships. Foto: Reuters
Maze won her seventh medal at the world championships and eleventh at the big competitions. Foto: Reuters

A good number of fans gathered at the Solaris Plaza. Medals were given out by the president of the International Ski Federation Gianfranco Kaser and the president of the Austrian Ski Federation Peter Schröcksnadel.

U.S skier Lindsey Vonn, who won the bronze medal, received the loudest cheer. There were also a few Slovene fans in front of the big stage.

One of them held a sign saying "1 Down, 4 to Go". Maze’s wish is to win medals in all the disciplines and her next opportunity is on Friday, at the downhill event.

Maze: It is a nice feeling beating Lindsey in front of her home crowd.
After winning the silver medal at the Super-G in Vail, the 31 year-old native of the Koroška region had a smile on her face, from ear to ear, while talking to TV Slovenija. And why wouldn't she after her great start in the world championships, especially after her modest performances in January.

Sports journalist Urban Laurenčič talked to Maze at finish arena.

You set yourself a goal to win a medal in each discipline. You are on good path. How do you feel?
I feel great. I think I had a very good run. I’m happy. The skiing conditions were difficult. The ski slope was demanding and I have a great respect towards it. You need to work hard. To be able to ski well, you need to have … I won't say what (laughter).

You said you had a good feeling during training as well. And now you showed that during the race. You competed in fairly equal conditions with Lindsey Vonn. Is it a good feeling to beat her on her home field?
After her performance you could hear the loud cheering of her fans all the way up to the start. This was the first time for that to happen to me in the Super-G. When I crossed the finish line there was really a big silence. At first, I didn't know why, but when came further down I saw that I took the lead. It is a nice feeling beating Lindsey in front of her home crowd. This was certainly the biggest challenge for me.

Is there any bitterness because of the tiny time difference behind first place?
Anna Fenninger probably had more sunshine at the top and was able to build up a good lead in the upper part. There is a little bit of bitter taste to it, but as I see it at the end of the career everything evens out. At the Olympic Games it was me who was a bit in front, now it’s her. The most important thing is to give your maximum at every race. During training I got a good sense for all the bends in the Super-G. After my unsuccessful two weeks in Cortina and St. Moritz I now feel a big weight off my shoulders. It was really delightful to be up on the winning podium again.