Sara Hector Drops the Hammer: Leads Kronplatz GS After First Run – Olympic Warm-Up Just Got Intense! 🇸🇪💥⛷️
What a statement from Sweden’s Sara Hector!
The Olympic giant slalom champion (@sarahector) unleashed a masterful first run on the brutal Erta slope in Kronplatz, clocking 1:13.54 to sit atop the leaderboard after the opening 15 racers — and that’s with the big guns still to come. 💪🏼
On a picture-perfect day with blue skies, firm snow, and zero forgiveness on this steep, technical beast, Hector combined raw power, flawless line choice, and zero mistakes to set the benchmark. She’s forcing everyone behind her into full attack mode for Run 2 at 13:30 local time.
Right on her heels:
Camille Rast (SUI) +0.15 — the slalom firecracker bringing speed to GS
Julia Scheib (AUT) +0.39 — consistent GS threat and current discipline leader vibes
Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) is firmly in the mix too, battling back in giant slalom after her epic slalom dominance (107 World Cup wins total, including that recent Flachau masterclass). She’s positioned to strike in Run 2, with Paula Moltzan and others adding Team USA depth.
Home favorite Federica Brignone made a strong return from injury layoff, posting the fastest Italian time (7th after first run, +1.18) and electrifying the Kronplatz crowd — a huge boost for Italy ahead of Milano Cortina 2026.
This wide-open fight is exactly what the pre-Olympic circuit needed: drama, speed, and massive implications for February’s Games. Hector’s lead could hold… or crumble under pressure from the chasing pack.
Run 2 is set to be fireworks — who’s taking the win and carrying momentum into the Olympics?
Catch all the action live on the FIS App 📲! Drop your predictions below: Hector holds on? Shiffrin surges? Rast shocks? Fire emojis for the Swede, hearts for the drama! 🔥🇸🇪🇮🇹🇺🇸
