Why did Vlhová improve in the second round? The profile of the slope, the result, and her psychology helped, says commentator Kárník
Petra Vlhová improved her performance in the second round of the slalom, moving up from 29th to a much better position after a slower start in the first round.
Petra Vlhová made a significant comeback in the slalom event after a two-year hiatus, finishing with a 12th fastest time in the second round after initially starting in 29th place. In an interview, she expressed a sense of improvement and confidence in her second run, which she attributed to taking advantage of her starting number and gaining a better feel for the race. While she struggled in some areas, she ended the day feeling very pleased with her performance.
In the first round, Vlhová faced tough competition and started her run as the 23rd skier, but a coincidental tie in times with Norway's Bianca Bakke Westhoff resulted in Vlhová taking an earlier start in the second round due to her lower bib number. This strategic advantage allowed her to take on the newly prepared course ahead of other competitors, leading to a successful recovery and a notable performance improvement.
Commentator Dominik Kárník reflected on Vlhová's return to slalom racing and remarked on the psychological aspect of sports, suggesting that her confidence and mental state played a crucial role in her enhanced performance in the second round. The insights from this competition are indicative of her resilience and potential to regain her competitive edge in the sport.