6 years later, Lindsey Vonn’s back at it. Skiing? Absolutely. Winning? Fingers crossed! This weekend, she tested the Birds of Prey course one last time as a forerunner before flying off to Switzerland. Wonder why? Well, no more practice races for her, as the skiing veteran is all set to compete in the World Cup, starting with the super-G courses in St. Moritz.

But for now, let’s focus on what went down at Birds of Prey. In another inspiring comeback, Sofia Goggia made a return to the sport after 10 months of having her tibia and ankle fractured. Nailing the women’s Super G race in 1:03:90, she stepped on her second consecutive podium at Beaver Creek. However, she credits a very special person for helping her!

Lindsey Vonn, a friend like no other

Lindsey Vonn had to opt out of the Beaver Creek leg because she didn’t have the necessary points to participate. But who said she couldn’t leverage the field to polish her form and help an old competitor? Thus, the veteran tested the Birds of Prey course as a forerunner, followed by delivering a scouting report to the Italian contender, Sofia Goggia, according to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.

When Goggia first spotted Lindsey Vonn in the warm-up area, she asked the American to call her after her frontrunner duties were over. And Vonn’s not the one to go back on her promises! As she did, Goggia said, “All the other girls were watching the TV and I was on the phone with Lindsey and she was explaining (the course to) me, and I said, ‘Thanks.'”

Well, Goggia contacted just the right person! After all, who could have better judgment of the course than an 82-time World Cup winner? No wonder, even the Italian agrees, “I really have to say thanks to her because I really trust her. What she says is the Bible.” And thanks to her spot-on feedback, Goggia could find the fastest line on an overcast and windy day, leading her to win her first super-G of the season.

It was not just any other win. Goggia was nearly half a second quicker than the rest of the lot! Also, she was able to hold back the pre-race favorite Lara Gut Behrami by a rather substantial margin. No wonder, this gesture will go on to be a great landmark in the equation she shares with Vonn! Here’s a little insight on that.

Lindsey and Sofia- foes or friends?

Well, the two may be rivals on the slope, but the respect and bond they have off it is truly one-of-a-kind! Speaking to Olympics.com, Goggia had recently revealed, “I’m very close friends with Lindsey; we talk often, and she understands exactly how I feel.” While the Italian was down with injury for nearly a year, she found a great corner of support in Lindsey Vonn.

As skiers, they both get each other—unless someone’s been in your ski boots, it’s tough to truly grasp what you’re going through. And that shared understanding is the backbone of their friendship. “And Lindsey, clearly, with the career she’s had, also full of injuries, has been incredibly understanding and, of course, very supportive,” Goggia claims that Vonn totally understands her state of mind.

Also, Goggia’s a fan of Vonn’s wild style and her honest heart. She’s opened up on how the American’s drive, passion, emotional fortitude to handle injuries, and the ability to ski with the heart are qualities that Sofia sees as a mirror of herself. In fact, do you know the story of when the two first met years ago?

When the two first crossed paths, completely starstruck, an innocent Sofia started bowing to Lindsey Vonn in awe. Whereas, the American being her down-to-earth self, stopped her and said, “What the h*ll are you doing?” It was a hilarious yet heartfelt moment, showing just how much Sofia looked up to her. Now what do you think of their bond? Let us know below!