Switzerland secured a one-two finish in the women’s slalom at the Alpine skiing world championships, with Camille Rast clinching gold ahead of teammate Wendy Holdener. American skier Mikaela Shiffrin placed fifth, missing the chance to set a new record of 16 career medals at the world championships. Shiffrin, returning from a two-month injury break, dropped from third place after the initial run but expressed satisfaction with her performance, describing it as some of her best skiing recently.
Shiffrin, known for her slalom prowess with previous medal wins in the event, faced tough competition from her counterparts. The Canadian skier Ali Nullmeyer started strong with the 17th fastest time in the first run but did not complete the second run. Rast maintained her lead from the first run to edge out Holdener by 0.46 seconds, claiming the top spot in the competition.
Rast, reflecting on her victory, emphasized mental preparation and enjoyment throughout the day. The Austrian skier Katharina Liensberger secured the third spot, dedicating her medal to her late grandmother. Despite missing out on a podium finish, Shiffrin commended the impressive performance of her fellow competitors, particularly highlighting Rast’s skills and character.
Holdener, who improved from fourth place with a strong second run, expressed gratitude for her silver medal. The competition marked her ninth career world championship medal, matching the Swiss record. Shiffrin, who recently won gold in the team combined event, opted out of the giant slalom due to ongoing recovery from an abdominal injury.
The event showcased remarkable talent and sportsmanship, with skiers pushing their limits on the challenging course. The championships concluded with anticipation for the men’s slalom event. Viewers can catch live coverage of the alpine world championships on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem.
