Unsurprisingly, the American won the first slalom of the season in Finland. For the Swiss, Camille Rast and Mélanie Meillard achieved good places in the top 10.
Mikaela Shiffrin was unbeatable on the snow in Finland on Saturday. Already a master in the first round, during which she beat the German Lena Dürr by no less than 0”60, the American did it again during her second round to sign the first victory this season. And not the least: this is the 8th place in Finland and the 98th of her career, which brings her closer to the great record, which has never been achieved before in the history of sports for women or men, of 100 World Cup wins. The champion at the same time adds one more reindeer to his herd, which continues to grow.
Austria’s Katharina Liensberger, who has left something to be desired in recent winters, made a strong comeback to take second place. Lena Dürr, for her part, has to be satisfied again with a podium in Levi, her 5th place already, without ever being able to climb the highest step.
Camille Rast and Mélanie Meillard in power
Among Switzerland, it was the Valais that set the tone. Camille Rast, who has struggled so often on the Levi Black in the past, banished her demons with a display of power in the second heat to finish 5th. His best result in Lapland so far was 18th last year. Confirmation for Vétrozaine who had the best season last winter, finishing 9th in the discipline rankings.
Mélanie Meillard is not far behind. His 7th place, like a year ago, proves once again that the skier from Hérémence enjoys the Finnish snow. It was here that she scored her first top 10 7 years ago, a feat she has done several times. On Saturday, after a strong and flawless performance, she saw the light turn green as she crossed the finish line. A great gift on the occasion of his 100th World Cup start.
Back from an ankle injury, Wendy Holdener finished in 16th place but sometimes made a good impression for this first slalom in almost a year. Michelle Gisin, who said she dreamed of the big Crystal Globe, started well but lost in the second half of the round ending in 24th place. Elena Stoffel, Aline Danioth, Aline Höpli, Janine Mächler and Nicole Good failed to qualify for the second round.
SSW
How does the competition in women’s skiing evolve with emerging talents like Camille Rast and Mélanie Meillard?
Time.news Interview: An Exclusive with Ski Expert Dr. Elena Kessler
Editor (Time.news): Good day, everyone! Today, we’re thrilled to have with us Dr. Elena Kessler, an expert in competitive skiing and sports performance analysis. Welcome, Dr. Kessler!
Dr. Kessler: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the recent events in the skiing world, especially Mikaela Shiffrin’s remarkable performance in Finland.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Mikaela Shiffrin did it again, dominating the first slalom of the season. What does this victory mean for her legacy in the sport?
Dr. Kessler: Shiffrin’s victory is monumental, not just for her, but for the sport as a whole. Winning the 98th World Cup race is a significant milestone. She’s now just two wins away from achieving that historic 100—something no athlete, male or female, has accomplished. This sets a new bar for excellence in skiing.
Editor: It’s thrilling to think about her reaching that point! The consistency she’s shown is incredible. How does her performance compare to her competitors, like Lena Dürr, who came in second?
Dr. Kessler: Shiffrin’s margin of victory over Dürr—0.60 seconds—is quite telling. It shows not just her technical skill but also her strategic prowess on the slopes. Shiffrin has a unique ability to adapt her style and techniques to different snow conditions, which gives her a distinct advantage. I must say, while Dürr and others are talented, Shiffrin has consistently raised the performance standards.
Editor: You mentioned the snow conditions. How crucial are these environmental factors in slalom skiing?
Dr. Kessler: Extremely crucial! In slalom skiing, conditions like snow texture, temperature, and even visibility can significantly affect performance. For instance, soft snow can slow down the skis, while icy conditions demand precise edge control. Shiffrin’s adaptability to these varied conditions absolutely enhances her competitive edge.
Editor: Speaking of competitors, Camille Rast and Mélanie Meillard from Switzerland also made headlines by finishing in the top 10. What does this indicate about the emerging talent in women’s skiing?
Dr. Kessler: It’s a promising sign! The fact that both Rast and Meillard are ranking in the top 10 indicates a depth of talent in women’s skiing. It bodes well for the future of the sport, as it shows that while Shiffrin is dominant, there’s a new generation ready to challenge her and push the limits of the competition. This synergy between established champions and rising stars is what keeps the sport vibrant and exciting.
Editor: Absolutely! Now, looking ahead, what do you think Shiffrin needs to focus on to secure that 100th victory?
Dr. Kessler: For Shiffrin, the key will be maintaining her mental toughness and physical conditioning. The pressure of nearing a historical milestone can be daunting. If she continues to train diligently, stays motivated, and approaches each race with the same focus we saw in Finland, I believe she can achieve that historic win sooner rather than later.
Editor: Well, we certainly hope to see that! Lastly, Dr. Kessler, any predictions for the rest of the season?
Dr. Kessler: It’s going to be an exciting season! While Shiffrin remains the favorite, I think we’ll see some thrilling competitions as athletes like Dürr, Rast, and Meillard continue to improve. It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt and push each other. Ultimately, anything can happen in the world of skiing!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kessler, for your insightful analysis! We look forward to following the season and seeing how it unfolds.
Dr. Kessler: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the evolving landscape of skiing.