In an exhilarating World Cup giant slalom race in Killington, USA, New Zealand skier Alice Robinson secured a fantastic second-place finish. While Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami took the top spot, Robinson was just 0.62 seconds behind, narrowly missing the gold.
The 21-year-old Robinson, who led after the opening run, demonstrated remarkable skill and earned her first podium result since March 2021. American Mikaela Shiffrin claimed the third position in the thrilling race.
Shiffrin praised Gut-Behrami’s final run as “spectacular,” acknowledging her ability to maintain speed. Gut-Behrami’s victory marked her second consecutive giant slalom win this season, following her triumph in Austria last month.
Expressing her joy, Gut-Behrami mentioned the significance of achieving back-to-back giant slalom wins, a feat not seen from a female skier from Switzerland since Sonja Nef accomplished it in 2001. The Swiss skier, a former overall champion, has been gaining confidence in giant slalom in recent seasons.
Despite dropping from second to fourth, Olympic champion Sara Hector showcased a strong performance. Unfortunately, Marta Bassino couldn’t finish after losing grip on her inside ski, sliding off the course.
For Robinson, this event marks a remarkable return to the podium, and her competitive spirit promises an exciting season ahead. The World Cup races in the US this season boast a record prize fund from the US Ski and Snowboard Federation, emphasizing equality with equal prize money for both men and women. The competition is fierce, setting the stage for an action-packed skiing season.
