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US’s Shiffrin in Levi Photo: GEPA pictures

It appears that Mikaela Shiffrin skied with confidence. Her first run was terrific. That is undeniably a dangerous situation for the rest of the field. Her objective for the second run is the same as yesterday; she wants to do a better job on the pitch. She is, however, chased by exceptional skiers, and it will take another outstanding performance to win back-to-back Levi slaloms. 

Shiffrin gained time on the rest of the field in the bottom section of the course in Finnish Lapland to clock 56.86 seconds and take a 0.07 second lead over Lena Dürr. The German was leading after the first run on Saturday before finishing fourth.

US coach Magnus Anderson comments, “Good team performance and attitude from all girls. Nina’s return from injury is impressive and Zoe is skiing well. However, the entire team has more firepower than they are showing .”

The US team has four women on the second run.

As expected, Paula Moltzan showed she is in good form, finishing the first run 12th. 

Ten women from outside the 30 on the start list qualified for the second run. Yesterday’s rookie of the race, USA’s Ava Sunshine, did it again, qualifying 23rd with bib 46. Also, USA’s Katie Hensien started with bib 58 and, skiing fast, completed the first run in 29th position. However, France’s Marie Lamure skiing immediately after Sunshine skied into 13th. 

Canada also qualified two talented women, both in the top 20. Laurence St-Germain finished a strong 13th, and Ali Nullmeyer was 19th.

Notably, before going out, British skier, Charlie Guest, was leading with only one split to the finish. Guest is working with Reini Fernsebner this season, and it appears to be working. Although she skied out both days in Levi, the current evidence reveals she will be one to watch. 

Twenty-two athletes did not finish the first run. The North American Women on that list include US athletes Zoe Zimmermann, Nina O’Brien, and Canadian Kiki Alexander. 

Unfortunately, today, USA’s independent Lila Lapanja could not start due to back issues.

Fastest Three after 1st Run

Other North Americans qualified for second run

North American skier who finished outside of the top 30

Notable

This coverage was contributed by the Associated Press and Ski Racing Media.