GEPA pictures
Shiffrin Delivers a Commanding First Run in the Cold Austrian Alps
High above the treeline on a crisp –10°C morning, the women attacked an unforgiving Gurgl surface that punished hesitation and magnified every timing error. Mikaela Shiffrin delivered a commanding first run, stopping the clock at 54.22 to lead the field by a decisive margin.
With clean touch, superior vision, and world-class timing, Shiffrin won Sector 1 and Sector 4 and never let the snow take control. Only four skiers sit within a second of her — a dramatic contrast to yesterday, when 17 men fit inside that window and the entire top 30 was separated by 1.47 seconds. Today, the women’s top 30 stretches to 3.64 seconds, reflecting both the difficulty of the set and Shiffrin’s control.
Colturi Surges Into Second
Nineteen-year-old Lara Colturi delivered one of the best runs of her young career. The Albanian star attacked the middle pitch with fearless energy and posted the fastest Sector 3 time of the morning. Her time, +0.31 behind Shiffrin, places her second fastest — the closest threat to Shiffrin.
Swiss Tie: Rast and Holdener Share Third
Switzerland produced the day’s dramatic twist when Camille Rast and Wendy Holdener finished +0.48 back, tying for the third fastest.
- Rast, the 2025 Slalom World Champion, delivered the fastest Sector 2.
- Holdener, the first of the elite seven to ski, set an authoritative early pace.
The Swiss have two podium potential skiers heading into the afternoon.
North Americans Who Qualified
- Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) — 1st, 54.22
Leading with total control after winning S1 and S4. - Paula Moltzan (USA) — 6th, +1.02
Fastest S1 but gave up time with rhythm and line errors. - Nina O’Brien (USA) — 22nd, +2.86
Strong, composed skiing from bib 40 places her safely through. - AJ Hurt (USA) — 29th, +3.64
Found speed late and made the cut on the number. - Laurence St-Germain (CAN) — 24th, +2.91
In her first race of the season after missing Levi with injury, she qualifies despite early struggles.
Canada’s Situation
Canada entered the Olympic season with one of the strongest women’s slalom groups on the circuit, but they continue to struggle in Gurgl after a difficult opening in Levi. St-Germain was the only Canadian to qualify, while Nullmeyer, Smart, and Alexander either struggled for speed or did not finish. The talent remains undeniable, but the early results are a concern.
Bib-Above-30 Qualifiers (Only >30)
Several racers wearing higher bibs delivered standout performances on a morning when many favorites struggled. Those starting above bib 30 and skiing into the top 30 were:
- Bib 34 – Asa Ando (JPN): 13th, +2.18 (fastest high bib)
- Bib 36 – Lisa Hoerhager (AUT): 19th, +2.73
- Bib 40 – Nina O’Brien (USA): 22nd, +2.86
- Bib 52 – Natalie Falch (AUT): 23rd, +2.90 (highest bib)
- Bib 32 – Estelle Alphand (SWE): 26th, +3.48
- Bib 39 – Anuk Braendli (SUI): 27th, +3.51
A First Run Defined by Gaps, Precision, and Shiffrin’s Control
Huge spreads, relentless DNFs, and a frozen surface defined the women’s first run. Only four racers sit within one second of Shiffrin, and the qualification bubble has stretched beyond 3.60 seconds. The second run promises real drama: Colturi is charging, the Swiss are tied, high-bib surprises are in position, and Shiffrin holds a commanding advantage — though nothing is certain until the final skier crosses the line.
Top 30 After the First Run
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Run Analysis: Leaders, Qualified North Americans
About the Author: Peter Lange
