Giant slalom Olympics: Brignone wins second gold as Shiffrin misses the podium
Federica Brignone added a second gold medal to her haul at the Milan–Cortina Winter Games by winning the women's giant slalom on Day 9, while American favorite Mikaela Shiffrin failed to reach the podium. The alpine result was one of nine titles awarded during a packed day that reinforced the host nation's strong showing and produced several historic moments elsewhere at the Games.
Brignone seals second gold in women's giant slalom
Brignone's victory in the women's giant slalom was the headline alpine moment of Day 9. The Italian's composed skiing delivered a second Olympic title at the home Games, lifting the pressure on the host team and giving the crowd a marquee moment. The giant slalom competition unfolded in two runs held early for international audiences, with the first run at 4: 00 a. m. ET and the decisive second run at 7: 30 a. m. ET.
Her triumph underscores Italy's excellent form on home snow, adding to a medal haul that has kept the hosts firmly in the mix atop the standings. Brignone's gold in giant slalom further solidifies her status among the standout performers of these Games.
Shiffrin comes up short as alpine podium reshuffles
Mikaela Shiffrin, who entered the day as one of the marquee American medal hopes in alpine skiing, missed out on a podium finish in the giant slalom. Expectations were high for the U. S. star, but the result leaves the American team without movement in the medals column for the day.
The early-morning schedule — with runs beginning well before sunrise ET — presented a challenge for athletes adjusting to the rhythm of the Games. While Shiffrin's campaign continues, Friday's giant slalom outcome shows how quickly alpine standings can shift on a given day and how deep the field has become at these Olympics.
Day 9 highlights and implications for the medal race
The giant slalom result was only one chapter in a busy Day 9. Canada ended a gold drought when Mikaël Kingsbury topped the men's dual moguls, and the Netherlands continued their speedskating dominance when Femke Kok shattered the Olympic record in the women's 500m. Britain made history with two gold medals on the same day for the first time in Winter Olympic history, taking mixed-team titles in snowboard cross and skeleton.
Norway maintained its grip on the top of the medal table, bolstered by golds in the men's cross-country 4 x 7. 5km relay and the women's large-hill ski jump, bringing their total to 12 golds and 26 medals overall. Hosts Italy remain close behind thanks in part to Brignone's performance. Meanwhile, Team USA and Canada notched wins in men's hockey earlier in the day, leaving several nations poised to make late-week pushes as the schedule remains stacked.
Looking ahead, the Olympics continue to offer a heavy slate of medals and storylines. With nearly two dozen events on the docket over the next day, athletes who missed out in giant slalom and other competitions will have fresh opportunities to climb the podium. For fans tracking the giant slalom and the broader alpine program, the coming sessions promise more dramatic runs and potential upsets as the field recalibrates after Day 9.
