Austria Secures Olympic Combined Gold, U.S. Claims Bronze
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — A remarkable feat unfolded at the Milan Cortina Olympics as Austria secured gold in the new Olympic team combined event. The duo of Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber claimed victory, marking their first major achievement in the sport.
Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber: Olympic Champions
Nobody expected Raedler and Huber to rise to the top, especially considering that Raedler finished second in the downhill leg and Huber had the 10th-fastest slalom run. Their combined efforts led Austria to a surprising gold medal.
U.S. Teams Compete for Medals
The United States, represented by Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson, finished with a bronze medal. Shiffrin, who has the most World Cup victories in history, faced a disappointing outcome. Initially, her teammate Johnson provided a solid lead from the downhill segment.
The U.S. team faced unexpected challenges. Shiffrin, considered one of the top slalom skiers, finished in fourth place, just 0.06 seconds behind the other American team. She had previously earned two gold medals and a silver in earlier Olympics but has not medaled in her last seven Olympic races.
Results of the Team Combined Event
- Gold Medal: Austria (Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber)
- Silver Medal: Germany (Kira Weidle-Winkelmann and Emma Aicher)
- Bronze Medal: United States (Paula Moltzan and Jacqueline Wiles)
The team combined event requires one athlete to compete in downhill while the other tackles the slalom. Times are combined to determine the medal winners. Raedler and Huber’s performance showcased their strength in this unique format.
Future Events and Expectations
Despite the setback, Shiffrin still has upcoming individual events, particularly in giant slalom and slalom, where she aims to reclaim her status as a leading contender. The excitement surrounding these events remains high, as competitors prepare for what lies ahead.
Austria’s triumph marks an exciting moment in Olympic history, highlighting emerging talents in the world of skiing. With the U.S. team securing bronze, the competition continues to showcase the skill and unpredictability that defines Olympic events.
