Mikaela Shiffrin at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Women's Slalom - Source: Getty

Mikaela Shiffrin breaks silence after missing out on the podium in the World Cup season opener

Modified Oct 27, 2024 01:04 GMT

Mikaela Shiffrin spoke for the first time after her appearance in the Alpine Skiing World Cup season opener. The American skier missed out on the podium positions and finished fifth. She expressed her happiness about returning to competitions and hoped to undergo some great practice sessions as the season progressed.

The Alpine skiing World Cup season opener was held in Solden, Austria, and witnessed some great performances with Italy's Federica Brignone winning the title. New Zealand's Alice Robinson finished second, and Julia Scheib finished third. The event witnessed a surprise as the defending champion, Lara Gut-Behrami, opted out shortly before the commencement of the event.

Mikaela Shiffrin who was aiming to continue etching her name in history with the 98th World Cup win, spoke to the media after the race and expressed that she could not sync her timing while sliding down the slopes.

"If I miss the timing, then I'm just kind of fighting against the tracks the whole way down. This hill, if you are fighting it, then it is so slow."

The 29-year-old took to social media to speak about the race and was elated by the performance of the American skiers and went on to congratulate Katie Hensien and Nina O'Brien for their performances.

"Omggg…4 in the top 11 and best U.S. women’s GS team result since 1985?!🤯Congrats to @KatieHensien and Nina on their UNREAL comeback race, and the podium for sending it! Happy to be back in the GS race start & looking forward to the next few weeks of prep!🤗 #stifelusskiteam."

Mikaela Shiffrin on returning to the Alpine skiing season

Mikaela Shiffrin at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Finals - Women's Downhill - Source: Getty

Mikaela Shiffrin spoke about competing in the Alpine skiing World Cup season with concerns about the American registering her 100th World Cup win. Speaking about her goal and preparations for the season, she said:

"My mentality for so long has been trying to avoid those questions. I've talked to you all about this, like, 'the numbers again, the records, I don't want to talk about the records, I don't think about the records'. Even though that may be true, bringing energy to the sport is never a bad thing."

She added:

"Whether you want to talk about records or statistics or anything, and I feel energized right now when people bring up 100. I think it's incredible that people are still following along this journey and excited about it."

Furthermore, Shiffrin will be skipping competing in downhill races in the initial leg of the season.