Feb 18 • 13:43 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

US ski star Shiffrin beats Swiss world champion Rast to win Olympic slalom gold

US skier Mikaela Shiffrin ended an eight-year Olympic medal drought by winning gold in the slalom event, finishing significantly ahead of Swiss competitor Camille Rast.

Mikaela Shiffrin, the renowned American skier, secured the gold medal in the slalom event at the Olympic Games, surging ahead with a remarkable performance that concluded an eight-year dry spell for her in Olympic competitions. With a final time of 1:39.10, Shiffrin finished 1.50 seconds clear of Swiss world champion Camille Rast, showcasing her dominance on the slopes and returning to form at an event where she had previously struggled to deliver her usual prowess.

This victory marks Shiffrin's third Olympic title, her first since winning gold in the giant slalom at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018. Her strong showing in the first run gave her a comfortable lead, which she maintained throughout the competition, allowing her to confidently navigate the final stretches of the event. The gold not only rejuvenates her Olympic legacy but also provides a much-needed boost to the morale of the US ski team, which had been seeking a triumphant comeback in this prestigious competition.

Shiffrin's achievement is underscored by her ability to triumph over past disappointments during the Olympics, as she had faced challenges in her previous appearances. Camille Rast's silver medal, while historic for her and the Swiss team, highlights the fierce competition within women's skiing and the continued emergence of new talent at the Games. Shiffrin's victory signifies a pivotal moment for her career, re-establishing her status as a leading athlete in the sport and raising expectations for her future performances at international levels.

📡 Similar Coverage