Shiffrin Expresses Support for Vlhová’s Return as Levi Slalom Approaches
LEVI, Finland - As the women’s World Cup slalom season kicks off in Levi on Saturday, November 16, reigning champion Mikaela Shiffrin has publicly voiced her support for fellow competitor Petra Vlhová, who is returning to competition after a recent injury. the first round is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. local time, with the second round following at 1:00 p.m.A men’s slalom will be held on Sunday with the same schedule.
Shiffrin, who herself faced a setback last year with a stab wound sustained while skiing in Killington, shared a message of empathy with Vlhová.”During the last season we were in contact. She wrote to me after the race and also after my return.As for her injury,she has my absolute understanding,” Shiffrin told NBC Olympics. “It is extremely difficult for an athlete to explain how challenging it is. People don’t know what’s going on in the body and why it’s so hard to get back in top shape.”
Shiffrin expressed optimism about Vlhová’s progress,noting,”I’m so happy to see any post of hers where she’s in ski boots on the mountain. She seems to feel a lot more stable and strong,which is a huge betterment… I wish most of all that her return will be triumphant and it will be my pleasure to compete with her again.”
While Shiffrin is considered the favorite for the Levi slalom, she will face competition from Lena Dürr, Katharina Liensberger, and Zrinka Ljutičová, the current slalom small globe holder, who stated she “can’t wait to finaly show what I’ve been training for all summer. I want to surprise in Levi,” according to HRT television.
Reigning world champion Camille rast is a question mark for the event, currently managing pain in her left hip joint following a race in Sölden. “After the giant slalom in Sölden, my left hip joint is bothering me. I have pain and we have to reassess every day if and when I need to take a break. I am careful and patient at the same time,” Rast said.
