The women’s slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered an emotional highlight on Wednesday as Petra Vlhová, Slovakia’s beloved Olympic champion, made her long-awaited return to individual competition after more than two years sidelined by a devastating knee injury.
The 30-year-old Vlhová, who claimed gold in the slalom at Beijing 2022, stepped back onto the iconic Tofane course wearing bib 22. While the first run saw her finish at +2.86 seconds behind leader Mikaela Shiffrin—placing her 29th in a stacked 95-skier field—the moment transcended results. Fans erupted in cheers as the Slovak icon crossed the line, her determination evident after battling back from torn knee ligaments suffered in January 2024 during a World Cup giant slalom in her hometown of Jasná.
“We’re so happy to see you again in a Slalom race, Petra 🇸🇰❤️🔥,” read the heartfelt FIS Alpine post accompanying stunning action shots from photographer Zsombor Czoma. The caption captured the global sentiment: joy at witnessing one of alpine skiing’s fiercest competitors reclaim her place among the elite.
Vlhová’s journey back has been nothing short of inspiring. After two knee surgeries and months of grueling rehab, she made her initial Olympic comeback in the team combined event earlier in the Games. Now, in her signature discipline—where she holds an Olympic title, multiple World Cup wins, and a 2021 silver from these very Cortina slopes—she fights for redemption and perhaps a climb up the leaderboard in the second run.
Starting likely first on a freshly groomed course in the afternoon finale gives Vlhová a clean slate and nothing to lose. Her trademark aggressive style and mental toughness could spark a dramatic charge, reminding everyone why she’s been a dominant force in slalom.
This slalom marks the final Alpine event of the Olympics, adding extra stakes for Vlhová as she represents Slovakia on the biggest stage once more. Her presence alone has electrified the atmosphere in Cortina, proving that true champions never fade—they fight their way back.
Live results and second-run drama unfolding now on the official FIS App. Can Petra turn back the clock and chase another podium?
