🦌 In the Audi FIS World Cup slalom opener in Levi, Finland, American Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin extended her historic record, claiming her 102nd career World Cup victory and 65th slalom win. For her success in Levi, she was awarded her ninth reindeer.
Key Race Details:
* Shiffrin’s Performance: Shiffrin effectively “annihilated the field” in the first run, leading by nearly a 1.5-second advantage due to her aggressive and precise skiing.
* She credited the win to trusting her team’s training and focusing on her mentality: “The final step was mentality… I really enjoy being here, and I am so happy to kick off the slalom season.”
* Moltzan’s Podium Near-Miss: Teammate Paula Moltzan delivered an impressive second run, significantly improving her standing from 19th in the first run to finish just off the podium in fourth place. The second run was set by U.S. coach Alek Glebov on a firm surface.
* Other US Team Results:
* Annika Hunt made her World Cup debut but recorded a DNF (Did Not Finish).
* Nina O’Brien and AJ Hurt also did not finish (DNF).
* Liv Moritz placed 54th in the first run, failing to qualify for the top 30 second run.