Mikaela Shiffrin was left reeling after failing to qualify for a second run in a giant slalom event for the first time since 2012. The shocking turn of events occurred at a World Cup race in Sestriere, Italy on Saturday, where she finished outside the top 30 skiers. Known for her dominance in alpine skiing, Shiffrin faced an unexpected setback as she competed in the giant slalom for only the second time following a harrowing crash in November that left her with a puncture wound to her abdomen and severe muscle trauma.
The aftermath of the crash weighed heavily on Shiffrin, leading her to experience symptoms of PTSD and prompting her withdrawal from the giant slalom event at the world championships earlier this month. During her run in Sestriere on Saturday, Shiffrin clocked in at 1:05.73, falling two and a half seconds behind the early leader, Alice Robinson, and landing in 33rd place, outside the qualifying positions. This disappointing performance followed her return to the event on Friday, where she finished 25th after starting the first run in 18th place.
Reflecting on her recent struggles, Shiffrin expressed her confusion at feeling disconnected from her usual form and technique. Despite the challenges, she viewed the race as a positive step in her training journey. The setback marked the first time since October 2012, when she was just 17 years old, that Shiffrin failed to advance to the second run in a giant slalom event. Determined to bounce back, she vowed to continue fighting for qualification in the event until the end of the season.
Looking ahead, Shiffrin adjusted her goals for the remainder of the season, shifting her focus to securing points and maintaining a top 30 position in the grand slalom. This shift represented a significant departure from her previous pursuit of podium finishes, but Shiffrin embraced the challenge with resilience. As she navigated this new chapter in her skiing career, Shiffrin remained optimistic about her continued growth and development in the sport.
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