Croatian skier Zrinka Ljutić has expressed her excitement and determination as she approaches the slalom competition at the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina in 2026. Scheduled to take place on Wednesday on the Tofane ski slope above Cortina d’Ampezza, the slalom will mark the final alpine skiing event of the Olympics, presenting a crucial opportunity for Croatia to secure a place among the medal winners. Ljutić will compete alongside her teammates Leona Popović and Pia Vučinić, each with unique goals and expectations for the race.

This season, Ljutić has faced challenges in her preferred slalom event, managing only three finishes in the top 30 and experiencing five missed opportunities. Despite these setbacks, she remains optimistic about her performance, stating her wish to ski fast and leave everything on the track during the competition. She also emphasized her familiarity with the Tofane slope, having trained there the previous year, which she believes will be advantageous as she prepares for the upcoming race.

As anticipation builds for the Olympics, Ljutić's statement reflects both the pressure and excitement athletes feel as they approach such significant competitions. The outcomes of this event could have implications not only for her personal career but also for Croatian skiing's representation on the world stage during the Olympics, adding an extra layer of motivation for the young athlete as she strives for excellence in her sport.