Mikaela Shiffrin, the renowned American skier, is taking a cautious approach to her return to giant slalom racing. Following a serious crash in November that left her with severe trauma to her oblique muscles and a deep puncture wound, Shiffrin is slowly easing her way back into competition.
In her second giant slalom race since the injury, Shiffrin finished outside the top 30, failing to qualify for the second run for the first time since 2012. This result, while disappointing, is not entirely unexpected given the severity of her injury and the time it takes to regain competitive form.
Shiffrin’s performance on Saturday was a far cry from her usual standards, as she finished 2.50 seconds off the pace set by Alice Robinson. With over 30 racers ahead of her, Shiffrin was unable to advance to the second run, a rare occurrence for the American skier.
Despite this setback, Shiffrin’s return to giant slalom racing is a significant step in her recovery process. Her 25th-place finish on Friday, in her first giant slalom since the injury, was a promising start, and she will undoubtedly continue to work towards regaining her competitive edge.
Meanwhile, Federica Brignone is proving to be nearly unbeatable in giant slalom, securing back-to-back wins on home snow. Brignone’s dominance in the discipline is a testament to her exceptional skill and form, which has seen her take gold in giant slalom at the world championships in Saalbach, Austria, just nine days prior.
As Shiffrin continues to work her way back to full fitness and competitiveness, she will undoubtedly face stiff competition from the likes of Brignone. However, Shiffrin’s determination and resilience are well-documented, and she will undoubtedly be working tirelessly to regain her place among the world’s elite giant slalom skiers.
The journey back to the top will not be easy for Shiffrin, but she has already taken significant steps in her recovery. With patience, persistence, and dedication, Shiffrin will undoubtedly return to her winning ways, and the world of alpine skiing will be all the better for it.
