Federica Brignone Triumphs in First Sestriere Giant Slalom, Mikaela Shiffrin Battles Injuries
Federica Brignone Reigns Supreme in Sestriere
Fresh off her World Championship triumph in the discipline, Italy’s Federica Brignone seized victory in the opening giant slalom race of the weekend in Sestriere, Italy, a marquee event in the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit.
Undeterred by her recent abdominal injury sustained at the Killington giant slalom in late November, Brignone showcased her prowess, clocking the fastest time in the second run to secure the top spot on the podium. Her flawless execution propelled her past New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, who had set the pace in the first run but faltered in the second, ultimately finishing a mere 0.40 seconds behind the Italian champion.
Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund rounded out the podium, posting a respectable time 1.57 seconds slower than Brignone.
Shiffrin’s Struggles Persist
Reigning ski queen Mikaela Shiffrin, still wrestling with the psychological aftermath of her November crash, endured a disappointing 25th-place finish, trailing the winner by a significant 4 seconds. The double Olympic champion, returning to the giant slalom discipline, candidly acknowledged the mental blocks she continues to grapple with following her fall.
Shiffrin’s struggles underscore the challenges faced by even the most elite athletes in overcoming both physical and mental obstacles. Her indomitable spirit, however, remains unwavering as she strives to regain her former dominance on the slopes.
Brignone Extends Lead in Overall Standings
Brignone’s triumph in Sestriere further bolsters her position atop the overall World Cup standings. The Italian now holds a commanding 490-point advantage over Petra Vlhová of Slovakia, who finished sixth in the race.
The second giant slalom race in Sestriere is scheduled for Saturday, offering Shiffrin and other contenders an opportunity to prove their resilience and challenge Brignone’s supremacy.
