Shiffrin Dominates Slalom in Flachau as U.S. Teammate Claims Second

On a challenging icy and rutted course under the floodlights in Flachau, Shiffrin took the lead after the first run and stretched her advantage in the second to win the slalom by a significant margin. It marked her sixth slalom victory of the season and the sixth in her career at this venue, part of a remarkable tally that cements her reputation as the most successful slalom skier in World Cup history. Moltzan, displaying strong and consistent skiing, claimed second place — her first podium of the season in slalom — as the pair gave the United States a rare and impressive top two finish. Only one women’s slalom event remains before the Milano‑Cortina Winter Olympics next month.

Shiffrin’s Mastery on Display in Austria

Mikaela Shiffrin was in commanding form from the outset at the Flachau night slalom, mastering a demanding and technical course that tests both precision and nerve. After posting the fastest time in the first run, she carried that momentum into the second, ultimately finishing 0.41 seconds ahead of her closest rival. The victory was not just another addition to her season tally but also extended her World Cup wins total to a staggering 107, including 70 in slalom alone — figures that underline her extraordinary consistency and longevity at the top level of alpine skiing.

Shiffrin’s performance against strong international competition — including those who have recently challenged her dominance — showed her ability to combine tactical intelligence with exceptional technical skiing. Her fluency in adjusting to the icy, floodlit conditions at Flachau reinforced why she remains a formidable force on the World Cup circuit.

Moltzan Celebrates a Career‑Defining Result

Paula Moltzan’s second‑place finish was a standout achievement in her World Cup season. The Minnesota native kept pace with Shiffrin through both runs and demonstrated impressive composure throughout the night race. This runner‑up spot was her fourth career second‑place finish and her first in slalom this season, highlighting her development and competitiveness among the world’s best.

Moltzan’s strong performance contributed to a rare and memorable 1‑2 result for the United States, a moment that will boost confidence as the Olympic season approaches. Her progress this winter suggests that she could be a contender in major events if she continues to ski with the same consistency and determination shown in Flachau.

Podium Shifts and Olympic Build‑Up

Behind the American duo, Austria’s Katharina Truppe secured third place, delivering a strong showing on home snow. Switzerland’s Camille Rast, who had recently ended Shiffrin’s slalom winning streak, finished just off the podium in fourth, while other competitors like Sweden’s Anna Swenn Larsson and Sara Hector also posted competitive times.

With just one slalom left on the World Cup calendar before the Milano‑Cortina Winter Olympics, every result carries added significance. Shiffrin’s victory in Flachau not only strengthens her title case but also adds valuable momentum as athletes fine‑tune their form ahead of the Games. The remaining slalom event, scheduled for late January in the Czech Republic, could further shape Olympic expectations and crystal‑globe standings.

Implications for the Winter Games and Beyond

As the Olympic fortnight nears, performances like Shiffrin’s and Moltzan’s serve as both benchmarks and motivation for the rest of the field. Shiffrin’s dominance continues to define the women’s technical skiing landscape, but the rise of teammates and challengers enriches the competitive story heading into Italy. Moltzan’s season‑best result may well foreshadow her potential to challenge in big‑stage events, adding intrigue to the upcoming Games.

Looking ahead, the ski community and fans will be watching closely for how these athletes peak in the run‑up to their Olympic campaigns. The blend of experience, skill, and mental strength shown in Flachau could be a harbinger of thrilling battles on the sport’s biggest stage.