Mikaela Shiffrin's hopes of her 100th Alpine Ski World Cup victory were painfully dashed on Saturday in Killington. Shiffrin, who was clearly in the lead after the first run, fell heavily in the second run. The 29-year-old slipped on the steep slope and crashed violently into a gate. Shiffrin remained on the side of the track for what seemed like an eternity. She was then taken away on a sled. The American was then taken to hospital. Preliminary diagnosis indicates no serious injury, but she will miss the Slalom on Sunday.
Today, Sara Hector won the second Giant Slalom of the season in Killington. The 32-year-old Swedish skier climbed to the top of the podium after placing second in the first run and celebrated her 6th World Cup victory ahead of Zrinka Ljutic (+0.54) and Camille Rast (+1.05).
Sara Hector claimed 18 World Cup podiums in the Giant Slalom, including six wins in Courchevel, Kranjska Gora, and Kronplatz in the 2021-2022 winter season, Jasna in 2024, and Killington today.
It was the first-ever Alpine Ski World Cup Giant Slalom podium for Ljutic and Rast.
"I'm extremely happy because at the beginning of the season, I had a little period where I doubted myself and now to win here is amazing. I am so proud of myself. I just tried to enjoy it and have fun. I wanted to remember that I love to do this. It’s really cool to get to feel these emotions again," Hector said.
"Of course, it’s so sad to see Mikaela crash like that while skiing so well. It breaks my heart and everybody else’s. We all cheer for Mikaela to come back stronger," Hector added.
Rising star Zrinka Ljutic climbed up from fifth to second place in the second run after setting the second-best time just 0.02 seconds slower than Hector. It's Croatia's first Giant Slalom podium since Janica Kostelic won in Are in March 2006.
"I usually feel really good on this icy snow. I felt like I had some good sections in the first run, but I tried to connect even more in the second run. I felt good, but I didn't really know how good it was,” Ljutic said.
Camille Rast has had a fantastic start to the season. After taking her first podium in the Alpine Ski World Cup in the Slalom at Gurgl last weekend, also showed her excellent form today in what is normally her weaker discipline.
"It’s crazy, I didn’t expect to finish on the podium in Giant Slalom. Today the slope was superbly prepared, the conditions weren't easy. I'm looking forward to the next races. I am really happy. I did a good job this summer. I am happy about my progress," Rast said.
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