Giada d’Antonio, 16, Stuns Ski World with Back-to-Back FIS Slalom Victories
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A rising star in alpine skiing, Giada d’Antonio, has quickly become a name to watch after securing consecutive victories in her first two professional races. The 16-year-old Italian’s remarkable performance at the Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps has sent ripples through the ski community, defying expectations and challenging established competitors.
Overcoming the Odds at Schilthorn
The significance of a skier’s starting number is often underestimated, particularly in high-stakes competitions like the World Cup. Athletes frequently attribute less-than-ideal runs to unfavorable slope conditions experienced due to later start times. However, Giada d’Antonio proved that starting position is no barrier to success. At Schilthorn, she didn’t allow her number to dictate her performance, instead seizing the opportunity to showcase her talent.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2025, d’Antonio, representing Italy as the “Azzurra,” launched from the starting gate with the 82nd bib number in a FIS slalom race – a level below the World Cup and European Cup circuits. Despite this challenging draw, she finished fourth in the first run of her debut. Local favorite Elyssa Kuster held a 0.59-second lead heading into the final run. But d’Antonio dramatically turned the tables, delivering a sensational performance to claim the victory, finishing 0.44 seconds ahead of Kuster, 0.83 seconds ahead of Minna Bont, and 1.19 seconds ahead of Juliette Fournier. Remarkably, she was 0.91 seconds faster than any other competitor in the second round. According to reports, this triumph prevented Switzerland from achieving twelve consecutive wins.
A Second Victory Confirms Rising Talent
D’Antonio’s initial win was no fluke. She emphatically demonstrated her potential the following day, securing a second consecutive slalom victory. Starting with bib number 63, she took the lead after the first run, establishing a 1.00-second advantage over Switzerland’s Sarina Dörig. Despite posting only the sixth-fastest time in the final run, the 16-year-old, who hails from San Sebastiano at the foot of Mount Vesuvius in Naples, held on to secure the win.
This remarkable feat has disrupted the dominance of Swiss skiers, preventing them from celebrating a potential 13-fold victory. Dörig finished second (+0.45 seconds), followed by Kuster in third (+0.48 seconds). D’Antonio’s current win rate stands at an astonishing 100% throughout her professional career – a statistic few athletes can claim.
Giada d’Antonio has stunned the ski world. © Instagram / giadadantonio_
The emergence of Giada d’Antonio signals a thrilling new chapter in alpine skiing, and her future trajectory promises to be one of the sport’s most compelling storylines.
