Slalom at Levi: Shiffrin with an emotional return to the World Cup

Mikaela Shiffrin fought tenaciously, but the one who returned was as powerless against her emotions as she was against her permanent rival Petra Vlhová. She had so many people to thank, the ski queen said after her return to the World Cup nine months after the dramatic accidental death of Father Jeff, but one person was above all: mother Eileen. “She is the only reason I’m here!”

Here, after the most difficult months in the successful life of the 25-year-old American, second-place in the first of two World Cup slalom in Levi, Finland, after a 300-day break from racing and the heavy blow of destiny. Because Shiffrin had surprised herself with it, she followed up with a declaration of love for the mother via social media. “You and I … we made it here. So far. We are doing it … and very well,” she wrote, “But the most important thing is: we will do it together. I love you, Mom!”

That Shiffrin “was not the old man,” as “ARD” expert Felix Neureuther observed, and that in the second race in Vlhová’s next victory he was “only” fifth. The only important thing was the return of the queen. “Technically, it’s a feast for the eyes,” Neureuther said enthusiastically, “it’s a lot of fun to watch.”

And above all: Shiffrin himself felt great joy, finally again. Very different from the seven German headlines. Only Lena Dürr scored twice, but ranks 17 and 21 are not where the team leader wants to be. “We didn’t attack enough. Just go down, you won’t win a pot,” said head coach Jürgen Graller critically.

Shiffrin, on the other hand, was frankly exempt. “It feels like my first win,” he said after finishing second; Vlhová was only 0.18 seconds away. “Maybe,” he mused, “that means I haven’t lost everything. My ability to drive fast, be strong, hungry, and competitive.”

Your recipe for success? Before returning, he played: “What’s the worst that can happen if I don’t win?” His understanding: “That the media or my friends and family are disappointed. But that’s not bad! Now I know.”

Also thanks to Mama Eileen, who advised her not to quit during the months of mourning. “It gives me guts and inspiration, and it lights up the sky,” Shiffrin said.

Given the long absence and stressful return, it should come as no surprise that he had a bit more trouble in race two. He was 0.93 seconds behind Vlhova, who won his 16th World Cup. Shiffrin was worst placed in her special discipline exactly six years ago at eleventh place, also at Levi.

DSV athletes can only dream of such a record. Graller counted “very few World Cup points”, Neureuther lost the last willingness to take risks, also with Dürr. His sobering conclusion: “The claim must be different.”

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