Mikaela Shiffrin's slalom win streak is over after second-place finish
Mikaela Shiffrin's impressive slalom win streak concluded with a second-place finish at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, marking the first time this World Cup season she has been beaten in her signature event. Shiffrin, who had dominated the slalom with five consecutive victories this season, fell short by 0.14 seconds to Camille Rast, who is now seen as her main rival after also winning the giant slalom the previous day. This defeat reduced Shiffrin's overall lead in the standings to 120 points, down from 195 the previous weekend, highlighting the tightening competition. Despite a strong second run, a slight mistake early on allowed Rast to seize the opportunity and secure the win. Looking ahead, Shiffrin's upcoming races will be crucial as she prepares for the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Dive Deeper:
Shiffrin's loss on January 4, 2024, in Kranjska Gora ended her five-race slalom winning streak this season, and six when including the previous World Cup finals.
Camille Rast's victory was notable as it marked her second win in as many days, positioning her firmly as Shiffrin's main competitor in slalom.
Rast initially led Shiffrin by 0.10 seconds after the first run, demonstrating a more aggressive approach in the latter half of the course.
Last weekend, Shiffrin made a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 0.54-second deficit after the first run to win by just 0.09 seconds.
This recent defeat has implications for Shiffrin's confidence and momentum as she heads into the Olympics, where maintaining her competitive edge will be critical.