Feb 18 • 14:40 UTC 🇸🇰 Slovakia Denník N

What the first slalom of Vlhová showed: The body does not respond as before, but the results and intermediate times might surprise her

Petra Vlhová finished 20th in her first slalom race in over two years, highlighting challenges related to her injuries but also indicating potential for improvement based on her performance.

Petra Vlhová participated in her first two-run race in over two years, finishing in 20th place at the Olympic slalom. Previously, she had competed in a team event with fellow skier Katarína Šrobová, but unfortunately could not complete her run. The broadcast studio, reflecting on her Olympic journey, showcased older footage, but it highlighted the significant changes over the years; Vlhová experienced a successful period with multiple World Cup wins, followed by two challenging years due to injuries sustained in a fall during giant slalom, which resulted in torn ligaments in her knee.

The Eurosport broadcast, which featured Vlhová prominently, referred to her as the 'reigning Olympic champion' as she prepared for her run, starting with bib number 23. Although she finished the first run 2.86 seconds behind the leader, Mikaela Shiffrin, she managed to improve her rank in the second run, eventually finishing 20th overall, despite a total time that included a 3.60-second deficit. This performance, while overshadowed by her previous achievements, shows her resilience and hints at the possibility of her regaining her former competitive edge as she continues to recover.

Vlhová's recent races reflect the challenges of returning to the sport after a significant injury hiatus. While her finishing position may not be what her fans hope for, the improvement in her second run indicates that her physical condition may be progressively better, allowing her to fine-tune her skills and potentially make a strong comeback as the season progresses. This ongoing journey will be closely watched by fans and commentators alike, as they anticipate her return to form in future competitions.

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