US Olympic Medal Prospect Mikaela Shiffrin Faces a Setback at World Cup Ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

Out of all the athletes heading to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Mikaela Shiffrin is the favorite to win the slalom competitions. However, she has been dealt with an early blow. In the latest World Cup Giant Slalom competition, Shiffrin surprisingly finished fifth. Undoubtedly, before the Olympics, her form is vital for team USA to add to the medal tally, as well as for her.

Sara Hector won the competition in grand fashion, claiming her second World Cup win. Hence, it will be great for her to compete in the competition in Beijing, hoping to win her first Olympic gold medal. For Shiffrin, she hopes to improve on her performance.

Mikaela Shiffrin handed a blow before Beijing Winter Olympics

The World Cup competition was the last stop before the Winter Olympics. Shiffrin is the favorite to win the competition after her recent success in the Olympics. She won two gold medals in the last two Olympic Games. Although she is a three-time World Champion, Hector heads to the tournament with momentum by her side. As for Shiffrin though, she will be determined to bounce back and claim her third gold medal.

In the meantime, Hector’s previous victory came in 2014 and she was delighted to take home the victory. She crossed the line 0.15 seconds ahead of Petra Vlhova, who led the event after the first round. The delighted Swede crossed the line and could not contain her happiness.

“Crazy! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw I was that fast when I came to the finish. Incredible. There are so many good skiers I’m definitely not unbeatable. But now I’ve been fast so that’s really, really cool,” said Hector.

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Can Shiffrin bounce back?

As Hector stole the limelight, it would be interesting to notice her comeback after this loss. Being an experienced competitor, Shiffrin is one of the best skiers in the world. She first won the gold medal for the slalom event at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, while then winning the giant slalom gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

Swiftly passing through the ‘gates’ at ease, Shiffrin’s technique is a sight to behold. She swiftly passes through the slopes, in a precise and controlled manner, that only some athletes can boast of. However, heading to the Winter Olympics, she faces a major challenge to topple Hector, who seems to be in dominant form. After her experience with racing dinosaurs, she surely has an advantage, right?

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