Mikaela Shiffrin, the alpine skiing GOAT, was trailing behind her Slovakia counterpart Petra Vlhova in the first slalom run. The Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24 has concluded its women’s slalom event. Interestingly, it took an unanticipated turn. As more skiers came in and the second run concluded, Petra Vlhova faced a blow.
A while ago, the standings had Vlhova on top with 55.92, while the 28-year-old Olympian was 0.76 behind. The 2022 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup third slalom finisher faced her worst nightmare today.
Mikaela Shiffrin overshadows Petra Vlhova
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The Levi slope is one of the most beloved of the 28-year-old Olympian. Having said so, the 28-year-old Slovakia born didn’t expect a DNF in her worst state. Having topped the first run on November 11, the 2021 World Cup overall title winner saddened her fans hugely.
GIVE MIKAELA SHIFFRIN ANOTHER REINDEER!!! @MikaelaShiffrin wins #7 in Levi, Finland as Petra Vlhová skis out in final SL run (Vlhova had a second lead)
Shiffrin Stats
Win #7 in Levi
SL WC win #54
Overall WC win #89
WC podium #139 in 252 races— TeamUSATracker 🇺🇸 (@TeamUSATracker) November 12, 2023
To announce the Slovakian loss and the American win, Team USA Tracker posted on X. The post read, ” @MikaelaShiffrin wins #7 in Levi, Finland as Petra Vlhová skis out in final SL run (Vlhova had a second lead).” For the sixth time on November 11, the 28-year-old Vlhova earned her 6th reindeer but failed to secure her 7th.
On the other hand, Shiffrin clinched her 100th career win with the Levi Slalom’s second run victory. In addition, this win is also her 89th World Cup win. Considering this as the season-starter, there’s more up Shiffrin’s sleeves. Coming to Vlhova, her win was almost confirmed today.
Vlhova’s missed win for a ‘spike’
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Trying to maintain her Saturday’s winning streak, the slalom champ started off strong on Sunday. She smoothly left her US counterpart behind in the first run, leading by a 0.76. But as she skied further in the game, a ‘spike’ shadowed her, resulting in a pause.
Shedding light on the unpredictable aspect of sports, her coach said, “We didn’t expect it, but sometimes sports can be cruel. We have to raise our heads, especially Peter. We can be proud of what she performed over two days. Such situations, and especially in slalom, when you go on the edge, can happen. Now we are sad, but we are already looking forward to the next starts.”
READ MORE: “Bone Bruise”: Hours Before Slalom, Injured Mikaela Shiffrin Drops Major Health Update
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Though she missed her second slalom victory, there’s a big game ahead of Vlhova. For Shiffrin and her both, maintaining their winning streak looks crucial at this point. The game can take turns at any moment.
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