Podium / GEPA pictures
A massive crowd turned out in the Czech Republic to cheer on the women, bringing electric energy to Špindlerův Mlýn despite warm, wet conditions for the second run. Thanks to a beautifully prepared hill and an excellent surface, the race delivered high-quality skiing—and Mikaela Shiffrin lit up the slalom. Winning both runs, Shiffrin was untouchable on the day, finishing 1.67 seconds ahead of Camille Rast to cap off a dominant performance.
Top Five — Špindlerův Mlýn Women’s Slalom (Final Results)
1st — 🇺🇸 Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) — 1:37.59 — YOB 1995
2nd — 🇨🇭 Camille Rast (SUI) — +1.67 — YOB 1999
3rd — 🇩🇪 Emma Aicher (GER) — +2.18 — YOB 2003
4th — 🇦🇹 Katharina Truppe (AUT) — +2.21 — YOB 1996
5th — 🇨🇭 Wendy Holdener (SUI) — +2.53 — YOB 1993
Shiffrin Seals Another Crystal Globe
Mikaela Shiffrin owned the day in Špindlerův Mlýn, winning both runs with authority and leaving nothing to chance. Skiing with complete commitment, she took decisive speed through the combination and carried it cleanly onto the flats, building an advantage no one could touch. Her performance secured her ninth slalom Crystal Globe and marked her seventh slalom victory of the season, underscoring her continued dominance in the discipline.
Shiffrin never backed off, setting the fastest time in both runs and finishing 1.67 seconds clear of the field. It was also her third career victory on this hill, having previously won here in 2023, further cementing her connection with Špindlerův Mlýn. With this win, Shiffrin joins Marlies Schild as the only women to have won the slalom in Špindlerův Mlýn more than once, each claiming two victories. The two also share the venue record for slalom podiums with three apiece, followed by Wendy Holdener and Lena Dürr with two each.
It was a race defined by confidence, precision, and intent—another reminder that when the pressure is highest, Shiffrin continues to set the standard.
“It’s actually hard to think about it today because there was so much to focus on out on the race course. But to be here, with this crowd—it’s such a pleasure every time. I just love skiing, and that’s the best feeling.”- Shiffrin
Podium Power Behind Shiffrin
Behind Shiffrin, Camille Rast delivered a second run full of intent, making it clear she was not leaving Špindlerův Mlýn without a podium. Skiing with authority and attack, Rast carried strong speed through the demanding flush–flush–hairpin combination in the middle section and onto the flats, where she did much of her damage. She was especially impressive in the top section, immediately signaling that this was a run designed to move up. Known for her ability to manage transitions and adapt her rhythm, Rast’s aggressive and composed skiing earned her second place, finishing +1.67 behind Shiffrin.
“I really missed my first run — I was a bit slow and maybe lacked some energy,” Rast said afterward. “In the second run I gave everything I had. The combination was interesting, there were so many ways to ski it, and the speed was really high. You have to be good for two runs from top to bottom. The atmosphere here was amazing — so many people came out, it was crazy. I’m in good shape and I’ll give everything I have going forward.”
Rounding out the podium, Emma Aicher continued her impressive season with a third-place finish. The 22-year-old secured her fifth podium of the season—spanning one downhill, one super-G, and three slalom results—and now owns seven career World Cup podiums across four disciplines (three downhill, two slalom, and two super-G). Her versatility remains remarkable, and once again she impressed with her calm, composed approach under pressure, reinforcing her status as one of the most complete young skiers on the circuit.
“I’m really happy with the race today,” Aicher said afterward. “There are always things I can do better, but the crowd was amazing—you could hear them at the start, and that gives you so much energy. I love that I can race in all disciplines and keep learning. The goal is to be the best someday, and I’m just trying to take something from every race and keep improving.”- Aicher
A Course That Demanded Precision and Thought
The second-run set, designed by Austrian coach Robert Berger, proved to be a true test of skill and decision-making. A wild combination in the middle of the course—featuring a sharp 90-degree change in direction—forced athletes to solve the line rather than simply attack it. It was the kind of puzzle that had athletes and coaches studying it closely, with different lines emerging. On a day with warm, wet conditions, precision and discipline were rewarded, and those who found the right solution through the combination were able to carry crucial speed into the flats and separate themselves when it mattered most.
North American Battle
Liv Moritz delivered a standout second run, skiing confidently to the finish to earn her first World Cup points of the season. Primarily racing on the Europa Cup circuit and skiing for the University of Denver, Moritz has been grinding for opportunities at the World Cup level, and Sunday’s result reflected the confidence she has been building in slalom. A true all-around athlete, she also started on DU’s Division I soccer team as a freshman, underscoring her athletic range. In just her 11th World Cup start, Moritz skied with control and purpose, navigating the tricky combination cleanly, carrying speed out of it, and seeing green at the finish. It was a breakthrough moment and a well-earned reward for her persistence.
“I’m so, so happy,” Moritz said afterward. “I went into the second run with no expectations because I’d never made a second run before. I’m just really proud of myself, and I think what makes the U.S. team so strong is the camaraderie—everyone is genuinely happy for each other. Coming into the finish and sharing that with the team means so much.”
It was a tougher second run for the rest of the American contingent. AJ Hurt was forced to stop after getting her skis crossed and unable to recover, resulting in a DNF. Nina O’Brien looked fast again, driving hard across the flats and chasing time, but lost her outside ski just meters from the finish after moving inside too early, another heartbreaking DNF. Paula Moltzan fought through a couple mistakes with a impressive recoveries, but ultimately straddled and did not finish.
On the Canadian side, Justine Lamontagne secured her first World Cup slalom points, finishing 26th. While her second run was more conservative, it was a confident and controlled effort that should provide momentum moving forward. A natural giant slalom skier, Lamontagne continues to show promise in slalom, and this result may encourage Canada to give her more starts in the discipline going forward.
Final Takeaways from Špindlerův Mlýn
- Mikaela Shiffrin was simply untouchable, winning both runs, securing her 9th slalom crystal globe, and once again raising the standard in women’s slalom.
- Strong depth on display from Sweden, placing three skiers inside the top 10, a major statement and a reminder of how much firepower that team has right now.
- A tough day overall for Norway in slalom, but a positive takeaway came from Bianca Bakke Westhoff, who charged from 30th to 18th with the 9th-fastest second run, giving the Norwegians something to build on.
- North America saw encouraging progress despite a few tough DNFs, highlighted by Liv Moritz earning her first World Cup points and Canada’s Justine Lamontagne scoring in slalom. A challenging day overall, but a positive step forward to see both Liv and Justine get into the points and reward the work they’ve been putting in.
All Eyes on the Olympic Stage
Now the focus shifts to the Olympics, and all eyes turn to Mikaela Shiffrin. With her ninth slalom globe secured and her form peaking at exactly the right moment, she heads into the Games skiing with confidence, clarity, and nothing left to prove—yet everything still to chase. The question of Olympic gold will follow her, but performances like today show an athlete racing on her own terms, trusting her skiing and embracing the challenge. If she brings this level of composure, speed, and freedom to the Olympic slope, she will give herself exactly what she wants most: a real shot at finishing the story the way she’s envisioned it.
Race Results
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Race Analysis: Leaders & Other Qualified North Americans
About the Author: Katie Twible
