The women’s giant slalom at the FIS Alpine World Cup in Spindleruv Mlyn exploded into life on Saturday, with Olympic champion Sara Hector of Sweden seizing the lead after the first run in a nail-biting showdown that has fans on the edge of their seats.
Hector, the defending Olympic gold medalist in the discipline and a perennial powerhouse, powered down the demanding course to post the fastest time, clocking in ahead of a tightly packed field. Hot on her skis is Camille Rast of Switzerland, trailing by a mere +0.02 seconds—a margin so slim it could be decided by the flick of a pole or a gust of wind in the decisive second run.
Lurking just behind in third is Julia Scheib of Austria, the current GS rankings leader, at +0.26—setting up an epic battle royale as the top contenders chase crucial points in the final giant slalom before the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Mikaela Shiffrin of the USA sits in fourth place (+0.43), adding another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a high-stakes afternoon. Meanwhile, several other notable names, including Swedish teammates in the top 30, advanced to the second run, while some early favorites struggled or failed to finish.
The Czech venue’s challenging terrain, combined with crisp winter conditions, delivered classic drama right from the start. Hector’s smooth, aggressive line showcased why she’s one of the most consistent GS specialists on the circuit, but with Rast breathing down her neck and Scheib ready to pounce, nothing is decided yet.
Run 2 kicks off soon—expect fireworks, potential podium shake-ups, and plenty of Olympic-level intensity. Who will claim victory in this razor-close contest? Stay tuned!
