Moltzan Third in Kranjska Gora; Shiffrin Fifth
Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Paula Moltzan delivered a stellar giant slalom performance in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, skiing to third place. It marks her seventh career World Cup podium. It was also a standout team performance with the winningest skier of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin, fifth, Nina O'Brien eighth and Elisabeth Bocock in 14th.
Moltzan was fast and composed across both runs on the course, capitalizing on excellent conditions and well-set courses to secure her spot on the podium. With firm snow, clear visibility and fair conditions throughout the day, the race allowed athletes to push from top to bottom, and Moltzan did just that when it mattered most.
“I'm really happy,” said Moltzan. “I think it's nice to come back after two DNFs last weekend and be back on the podium. It’s a confidence boost that I still belong here.”
The podium was also an impressive feat after a bad crash in Semmering just a week prior, which Moltzan was still feeling in Kranjska Gora.
“I think we're lucky that the snow was really good today because it does help you ski the course and hill the way that you want to,” said Moltzan.
Shiffrin continued her strong progression in giant slalom, finishing fifth and less than two tenths of a second off the podium–as she builds momentum and confidence in the discipline following her crash in Killington last season. It was her third top-five result in giant slalom this season. Shiffrin showed consistency and speed across both runs and was all smiles in the finish as she can see her skiing building in the right direction.
"I think ‘happy’ and ‘satisfied’ are different because I would like to be faster but I'm taking steps and I feel very good with that," said Shiffrin "It's pretty incredible to be here one year later and to be in the mix with the fastest women right now.”
Nina O’Brien backed up recent strong results with another solid performance, placing eighth on the day. O’Brien skied two controlled runs to remain firmly in the mix.
“I think it was a totally solid day, and I had some moments of really good skiing,” said O’Brien. “We had a (team) result like this since Soelden and it hasn't quite come together for everyone again since then, so I'm just happy to see everyone have a good day together.”
Elisabeth Bocock rebounded in a big way, returning to the top 15 after a stretch of difficult races marked by DNFs. Her result marked an important step forward and a confidence boost moving deeper into the season.
“I'm so so relieved to be able to get one down after the first run,” said Bocock. “I tried to push more second run, which was a good game plan.”
AJ Hurt rounded out the American results finishing 25th to score World Cup points. Switzerland’s Camille Rast won, with Austria’s Julia Scheib finishing second. Mary Bocock of the U.S. squad also raced but did not qualify for the second run.
After a strong day of giant slalom, the women will be back on the hill Sunday for a slalom race.
RESULTS
Women's giant slalom
