As women’s World Cup slalom descends upon Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Mikaela Shiffrin, who enters the event with an impressive six-race winning streak. Shiffrin, who has dominated the slalom discipline this season by winning all five races so far, continues to be the prevailing force in women’s skiing.
This slalom at Kranjska Gora is pivotal, not only as the sixth race in a ten-event season but also as the first halfway point before the upcoming Olympic Games. With three slalom races left before the Olympics and two more to follow after, the stakes are incredibly high for athletes vying for Olympic selection and positioning as they look to solidify their credentials ahead of the Games.
Shiffrin’s current standing in the World Cup slalom rankings showcases her dominance; she has already accrued 500 points, creating a significant gap over her nearest competitors, Lara Colturi with 280 points and Camille Rast with 262 points. Her six consecutive World Cup slalom victories, stretching back to the finals of the previous season, illustrate a remarkable consistency that puts unprecedented pressure on her opponents.
As the race approaches, Shiffrin will set the tone for those behind her, starting from bib number three on the challenging Podkoren 3 course, known for punishing any hint of hesitation. The start list shows a fierce competition, with athletes like Lena Dürr and Wendy Holdener looking to disrupt Shiffrin’s momentum, while several emerging talents from the U.S. squad, such as Paula Moltzan and promising younger skiers, will also be vying for impactful performances.
This season of slalom skiing is not just about rankings; it embodies the pursuit of Olympic dreams. Skiers are focused on making their mark as they race not only for their own glory but for national representation in the winter games. While Shiffrin’s performance has raised the bar, the competition is keen, and every run contributes to the tension and excitement leading up to the Olympics.
Fans of skiing can catch the action live, with the first run scheduled for Sunday, January 4, at 3:30 a.m. ET, followed by the second run at 6:15 a.m. ET. As Mikaela Shiffrin continues to define her legacy in the sport, spectators eagerly anticipate whether anyone can rise to the challenge and break her winning streak.