Story perspectives

Shiffrin Leads Sölden Giant Slalom After First Run

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 3:10 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mikaela Shiffrin posted a 1:07.27 first run to lead the women's giant slalom in Sölden.
Sara Hector of Sweden was 0.14 seconds slower, finishing second.
Five U.S. skiers—including Shiffrin and Paula Moltzan—qualified for the second run.
Moltzan debuted new VAN DEER-Red Bull skis during her fifth-fastest run.
Camille Rast of Switzerland placed third, 0.37 seconds behind Shiffrin.

History

Historical Context

In 1998, the Nagano Winter Olympics gave American skier Picabo Street a silver in women's downhill, ending a 20-year U.S. alpine medal drought. U.S. Ski & Snowboard allocated $12 million to athlete development programs in 2005, boosting training facilities across Colorado and Vermont nationwide. Today, Mikaela Shiffrin leads the women's giant slalom in Sölden as teammate Paula Moltzan debuts VAN DEER-Red Bull skis, echoing the 1998 U.S. equipment breakthrough. Such performances suggest American skiers may dominate future World Cup circuits, prompting sponsors like Red Bull to expand investment and inspiring next-generation athletes.

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Story summary

Mikaela Shiffrin posted a 1:07.27 first run to lead the women's giant slalom in Sölden.
Sara Hector of Sweden was 0.14 seconds slower, finishing second.
Five U.S. skiers—including Shiffrin and Paula Moltzan—qualified for the second run.
Moltzan debuted new VAN DEER-Red Bull skis during her fifth-fastest run.
Camille Rast of Switzerland placed third, 0.37 seconds behind Shiffrin.

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