Mikaela Shiffrin showcased her exceptional talent in the World Cup Slalom race held in Levi on Saturday, dominating her competitors and proving once again why she is often referred to as the Queen of Slalom. The Olympic season opener saw Shiffrin, representing the USA and skiing for Atomic, take an impressive victory, finishing the race with a commanding lead of over a second and a half.
Shiffrin’s performance was dazzling from the start, as she secured a lead of over a second after the first run and maintained her momentum through the second leg. She completed the race with a time that put her well ahead of her closest rivals, Lara Colturi from Albania, who finished 1.66 seconds behind, and Emma Aicher from Germany, who trailed by 2.59 seconds.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Shiffrin, bringing her total World Cup wins to 102 and her Slalom victories to 65. Furthermore, her triumph in Levi is particularly noteworthy, as it is her ninth win in this Finnish ski resort, earning her as many reindeer trophies as the iconic Santa Claus.
Reflecting on her performance, Shiffrin expressed her growing connection to Finland, stating, “It’s starting to feel more like home. I really enjoyed being here, and I’m so happy to kick off the Slalom season.” She added, “It was a really amazing day; I felt very good with my skiing. I was at one with my feeling, with my body and my skis.”
Shiffrin’s impressive start to the season not only reinforces her status as a top contender for the Olympics but also showcases her exceptional skills and unwavering determination in the sport. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from this skiing superstar.