As Mikaela Shiffrin Sits Out on Competition, Swiss Rival Dominates Alpine Skiing World Cup 2023/24

The recent Audi FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup 2023/24 is by far one of the most unpredictable events in World Cup history. The reigning champion Mikaela Shiffrin is currently under the weather, therefore withdrawing herself from some upcoming events. The recent Altenmarkt-Zauchensee has witnessed the top athletes root for the Super-G crystal globe. But only the most deserving secured it.

As the women girded up to hit the Zauchensee slopes, the roster looked convincing, as always. There are four to five women in the alpine skiing world who are always attempting to best each other. But, in a close contest this time, Shiffrin’s Swiss counterpart left fans spellbound with her well-suited win.

Lara Gut-Behrami wins the Super-G globe

When the queen Mikaela Shiffrin steps down from her throne, her most worthy opponent decided to grace it. In a sport where a sudden drop in the mercury level isn’t uncommon, Lara Gut-Behrami stood against the chilly weather of Austria to secure the Super-G win. Touching the 40th mark of the World Cup wins, Behrami just clinched her 20th Super-G, her forte. An X user celebrated the moment with the caption, “Lara Gut-Behrami has just won the Super-G at Altenmartk-Zauchensee” and teamed it up with a cheerful photo of the 32-year-old showing off her golden jewel.

Reminiscing about her last podium finish at the same venue, the Swiss skier said, “It’s amazing. I’m proud to be winning here again after 13 years in Super G. To be able to be that consistent during those years is unbelievable”. Austrian skier Cornelia Huetter clinched the Super-G title on Friday, but couldn’t beat Behrami by a quarter of a second. Mirjam Puchner, another Austrian competing on home ground, secured the most awaited bronze. But the one who stole the limelight had a great deal to share with the world.

Behrami and her strong will

Champions can have their days. And it’s not freakish for someone to desire a break. In the same vein, the  2022 Winter Olympics Super-G gold medalist feels the same, but she knows how to bounce back. In a recent post-event interview with Olympics, the 32-year-old said, “I have days where I would like to quit – I’d love to go home to have a family and have other things”.

READ MORE: How Did Alpine Legend Mikaela Shiffrin Prepare Before Winning Her 93rd World Cup?

But her concluding statement “When I’m skiing I’m just trying to do the best that I can” silenced all. In the summer of 1992, her aunt’s first gift moved Behrami. It was a pair of skis, and the little girl refused to take them off. Since then, her skiing journey began, 2008 being the most notable year when she earned her first WC podium. The Super-G specialist has a long way to go in life.

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