Shiffrin’s Jasná Slalom Supremacy: A Recap and Emerging Talents in Women’s Skiing

In the absence of her Slovakian rival Petra Vlhová, the stage was set for Mikaela Shiffrin to showcase her unparalleled prowess in women’s slalom. Shiffrin’s dominance became evident as the first run unfolded, leaving a significant gap between her and the competition. The absence of Vlhová, coupled with Shiffrin’s exceptional skills, promised an intriguing narrative for the day’s skiing spectacle.

Without Petra Vlhová in the field, it was no surprise to see Stifel US Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin well ahead of the field after the first run. Shiffrin will miss her battles with her Slovakian rival, Vlhová. Together, they continually pushed women’s slalom to higher levels. However, at this time in history, only the two perform at that level.

During this season, they brought women’s slalom to the highest level in history, and it will require time for the best in the field to catch up. During the morning, Shiffrin was the fastest in every sector of the course. She enters the afternoon finale with a (-0.52) lead over 19-year-old Croatian Zrinka Ljutic. However, the third-place skier, Switzerland’s Melanie Meillard, trails by (+1.38).

Ljutic could execute the outside ski pressure above the gate better than most and was rewarded with good speed. She is in an excellent position to achieve her second podium. She has a (-0.83) time advantage over the third-fastest Meillard. If Shiffrin falters, which can and does happen, a victory is possible.

The first run slalom course In Jasná was set with little swing or lateral distance. When a course has this direct feature, the speeds are high, and the tempo is quick. It is a situation that is easy to finish but difficult to execute clean arcs. If an athlete hesitates about where to start the turn, they lose time at every gate—often using a direct line and beginning the pressure once the ski has crossed the fall line. Shiffrin is perhaps the best ever at seeing the fastest place to initiate and has the skills to execute at any speed or tempo on any surface.

Additional North Americans

Stifel US Ski Team’s Paula Moltzan is (+2.42) behind Shiffrin but finished the morning 13th fastest. It will take a tremendous second run to give herself a chance to stand on a podium, but she can be extraordinary. She has also shown her ability to find additional speed during the afternoon finales.

Motlzan’s teammate AJ Hurt earned a slalom podium in Kranjska Gora and continues to show elite speed. This morning, the rocket from Palisades Tahoe finished the morning ranked 16th (+2.55).

Watching the reigning World Champion Canadian Laurence St-Germain race again was a pleasure. It is her first race back after injuring her ankle early in the season. While not up to her highest standard, she finished 18th fastest (+2.59).

Twenty-nine-year-old US independent and member of the SYNC team Lila Lapanja earned a start in Jasná and found the snow and course to her liking. She has scored three times in her career and has qualified for the Jasná second run. She was 24th fastest (+2.99) behind Shiffrin.

The final North American to qualify is one of the best. Ali Nullmeyer struggled to find speed during the first run but qualified in 25th (+3.14)

Women with bibs above 30

Eight women with bibs above 30 qualified for the afternoon finale. The fastest was France’s bib 32 Marie Lamure 9th (+2.05). The last to qualify was France’s bib 55 Clarisse Breche 27th (+3.18). The time differential between Shiffrin and Germany’s 30th fastest, Emma Aicher, was (+3.57).

Thirteen nations have women who qualified for the second run.

In the absence of Petra Vlhová, Mikaela Shiffrin showcased her dominance in women’s slalom, setting a remarkable lead after the first run. While their rivalry has elevated the sport, the current season has seen Shiffrin and Vlhová reach unparalleled heights. Emerging talents like Zrinka Ljutic and Paula Moltzan aim to challenge Shiffrin’s supremacy as the competition unfolds. The diverse field promises an exciting afternoon finale, where skill and strategy determine the podium.

Top 30 first-run results and analysis of the fastest three and other qualified North Americans

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Analysis of the fastest three and other qualified North Americans