Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber Triumph in Olympic Team Combined Event
Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber made history by winning gold in the newly introduced team combined event at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This victory marks a significant achievement for both athletes, who had not previously claimed a World Cup skiing race.
A Memorable Event in Cortina d’Ampezzo
The event took place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where the Austrian duo triumphed over formidable competition. Notably, Mikaela Shiffrin, renowned for her record 108 World Cup victories, finished fourth, impacting the overall standings in an unexpected turn of events.
Key Highlights
- Ariane Raedler excelled in the downhill leg, finishing second.
- Katharina Huber recorded the 10th-fastest time in the slalom run.
- The Austrian team’s combined times led them to victory against tough competition.
- Germany’s Kira Weidle-Winkelmann and Emma Aicher secured silver medals.
- The bronze medals went to Paula Moltzan and Jacqueline Wiles from the U.S.
Shiffrin, who was anticipated to perform well, lost critical time at various checkpoints and completed the slalom 0.31 seconds behind the leader. Her performance marked her seventh consecutive Olympic race without a medal, a surprising statistic given her past successes.
Event Format and Rules
The team combined event involved two racers from each nation: one participated in a downhill run while the other tackled a slalom run. The combined times of both runs determined the final standings, showcasing both speed and technical skill.
Following the event, emotions ran high in the finish area. Breezy Johnson, who had just claimed gold in the individual downhill, embraced Shiffrin, while Raedler and Huber celebrated their unexpected gold medal win.
Expectations Moving Forward
The competition remains fierce as Shiffrin prepares for her individual events, including giant slalom and slalom. With her track record, expectations are high for her upcoming performances.
Overall, Raedler and Huber’s victory in the Olympic team combined event marks a significant milestone in their skiing careers and adds to the excitement of the Milan Cortina Games.
