Mikaela Shiffrin Takes Commanding Slalom Lead After Disappointing Days
American Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin has taken a commanding lead in slalom at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. After her first run, she clocked in at 47.13 seconds, securing a 0.82-second advantage over her competitors.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Slalom Performance
Competing on a challenging Cortina d’Ampezzo course, Shiffrin’s impressive performance has put her in an excellent position to contend for a medal. The second slalom run will commence at 7:30 a.m. EST.
Current Standings
- 1st Place: Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) – 47.13 seconds
- 2nd Place: Lena Duerr (Germany)
- 3rd Place: Cornelia Oehlund (Sweden)
Shiffrin’s Olympic Journey
Shiffrin has had a challenging Olympic journey. Although she previously earned gold in slalom at the Sochi 2014 Olympics at just 18 years old, her recent performances have raised concerns. She has not secured a medal since 2018.
Shiffrin’s last two outings included a fourth-place finish in the team combined event and an 11th in giant slalom. Just days prior to her slalom lead, she expressed disappointment on social media about her performance in the first race.
Challenges Faced
The skier’s journey has not been without struggles. In November 2024, a crash during a giant slalom event left her with significant injuries and what she describes as crash-induced PTSD. Despite these setbacks, Shiffrin’s resilience shines through.
Looking Ahead
As she prepares for the second run, Shiffrin remains focused and composed. She expressed excitement about her performance, stating, “It’s hard not to be excited for days like today.” Her approach emphasizes concentration on the task at hand, detailing the importance of focus from the start to the finish line.
Shiffrin’s ability to overcome adversity and her determination to excel are evident as she seeks to secure yet another medal in her favored slalom event at these Winter Olympics.
