Katharina Liensberger

A devastating knee injury ended Katharina Liensberger’s Olympic season. Now, the Austrian champion is finding patience, perspective and renewed love for skiing on her road back.

Olympic slalom medalist Katharina Liensberger will undergo knee surgery after suffering a serious training injury in Austria.

Camille Rast led a Swiss 1-2 finish in Saalbach, claiming gold ahead of Wendy Holdener, while Austria’s Katharina Liensberger secured bronze to the delight of the home crowd. Stifel U.S. Ski Team’s Paula Moltzan delivered a strong performance to finish fourth, with Mikaela Shiffrin rounding out the top five in a race packed with dramatic lead changes and high-intensity action.

Switzerland’s Camille Rast set the tone in Saalbach with a commanding first run, carving through the quick-tempo course with aggressive transitions and powerful focus. She claimed the leader’s chair with a 0.58-second advantage over Austria’s Katharina Liensberger, while Mikaela Shiffrin, making her World Championship return, landed in third, 0.72 back. The demanding course took its toll, knocking out a third of the first 30 starters, including defending champion Laurence St-Germain. With a wide time spread and opportunities for higher bibs to break into the top 30, the stage is set for a dramatic second run.

The Saalbach 2025 Women’s Slalom promises a thrilling battle on the Ulli Maier course. Mikaela Shiffrin returns to individual World Championship racing, while Zrinka Ljutić leads the season’s top contenders. With a deep field and gold on the line, this race will be one to watch.

Zrinka Ljutić leads after the first run in the Courchevel night slalom. Wendy Holdener in 2nd, Katharina Liensberger in 3rd. Mikaela Shiffrin returns and achieves a strong, aggressive run. Shiffrin heads into the second run in 5th.

Milestones were celebrated in Gürgl as Shiffrin achieved her 99th win, and Camille Rast and Lara Colturi debuted on the podium.

A fresh outlook, revamped mindset, and critical staff additions appear to be making a difference for Austrian Katharina Liensberger. She is off to the best start of her nine-year World Cup career.