Gustafsons Fifth in Paralympic Giant Slalom; Griffin, O’Driscoll Ninth
Team USA Para alpine skiers returned to Cortina on Thursday for the women’s giant slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
In women’s vision impaired, Meg Gustafson and guide Spenser Gustafson led the American effort, finishing fifth overall. The Gustafsons had a strong first run, putting them in podium contention, but a few small mistakes in second run left them just out of the medals.
In the women’s standing classification, Kelsey O’Driscoll was the top American finisher in ninth after putting together two clean runs. Allie Johnson followed in 12th place, continuing her Paralympic campaign with another consistent result. Teammate Audrey Crowley showed strong skiing early but missed the final gate on the first run and was disqualified, ending her race early.
In women’s sitting giant slalom, Hailey Griffin finished ninth in her first ever Paralympic start, marking an important milestone for the newcomer. Anna Soens, Saylor O’Brien and Laurie Stevens did not finish the second run. For Stevens, the race marked the first start of her sixth and final Paralympic Winter Games, continuing a long and accomplished career representing Team USA on the Paralympic stage.
Men’s giant slalom is next on Friday before the women kick off the slalom weekend to finish off the Games.
