Gustafsons Lead Paralympic Slalom; Stephens Races Last Paralympic Race
The women’s slalom brought the women’s Para alpine skiing program to a close Saturday at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Despite dreary weather conditions that brought rain and snow throughout the day, the energy on the hill remained high as athletes and fans embraced the final women's race day of the Paralympic alpine schedule.
In the women’s visually impaired (VI) classification, Meg Gustafson and guide Spenser Gustafson led the way for Team USA, finishing in sixth place with two consistent runs.
In standing, Kelsey O'Driscoll took ninth, followed by Allie Johnson in 13th. Audrey Crowley did not finish her first run.
In the women’s sitting classification, Anna Soens led the Americans with an eighth-place finish, despite a big mistake on her second run. Laurie Stephens finished 12th, followed by Hailey Griffin in 14th. Saylor O’Brien did not finish.
The race marked Stephen’s final race in the Paralympics, as she has announced that Milano Cortina will be her last Games. Stephens has attended six Paralympics, is a two-time Paralympic champion and has seven Paralympic medals.
"It's been a huge honor to be able to represent my country and be able to compete at the highest stage for Paralympic alpine skiing," said Stephens. "It's just been a great experience."
The men’s slalom finishes off the Paralympic Games on Sunday, March 15. The cauldron will go out Sunday night at the Closing Ceremony in Cortina.
