Mikaela Shiffrin, representing the USA, was in a strong position at the start of the competition but ultimately finished fourth, just 31 hundredths of a second away from the gold in an intensely competitive event. SVT expert Pernilla Wiberg remarked on Shiffrin's visible tension, noting that she did not exhibit the relaxed demeanor fans have come to expect from her. In a shocking result, the gold medal went to Austria's second team, an outcome that had not been anticipated by many, including former champion Anja Pärson, who expressed disbelief at the performance of Austria's secondary team.

In the slalom portion of the race, Shiffrin struggled and ended up in 15th place, trailing behind Emma Aicher, who was the fastest on the short course. Aicher had previously placed second in the downhill event, contributing significantly to a strong overall performance. Shiffrin's inability to perform in the slalom, coupled with her previous success expectations, has raised questions about her current form and preparation as the next Olympics approach.

The competition's outcome has significant implications for Shiffrin's confidence and standing as an elite athlete. As she faces increased scrutiny, analysts have begun to speculate whether the pressure of the upcoming 2026 Olympics may be affecting her performance. This is a turning point for Shiffrin, who must now regroup and refocus ahead of the critical months leading up to the Winter Games.