American ski sensation Mikaela Shiffrin continued her impressive World Cup slalom streak, narrowly clinching victory in Austria ahead of the 2026 Olympics. Despite her triumph, Shiffrin expressed concerns about the safety of the course conditions during the night slalom event. The challenging weather conditions caused the surface of the course to deteriorate, leading to a tumultuous race for the competitors.
Shiffrin, known for her resilience, overcame a half-second deficit in the first run to outpace Swiss champion Camille Rast. However, she criticized the course conditions, highlighting the risks faced by the athletes, particularly those with later start numbers. Despite the challenging circumstances, Shiffrin delivered an exceptional performance in the final run, securing her sixth consecutive World Cup slalom win.
Only a fraction of the participants completed the first session, with many struggling to navigate the deteriorating course. Shiffrin emphasized the need for improved safety measures and course preparation to ensure a better experience for the athletes. Her victory extended her lead in the slalom standings and marked her 106th career win, setting a remarkable milestone in her skiing career.
Looking ahead, Shiffrin aims to maintain her winning momentum as she prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. With several more slalom events on the World Cup schedule, Shiffrin remains a formidable force in the world of alpine skiing. As the competition intensifies, fans eagerly anticipate Shiffrin’s continued success on the slopes.