Brignone breaks records, strong US performance and incredible returns

Featured Image: Katie Hensien of the Stifel US Ski Team. Photo credit: GEPA

When the second run of the first World Cup of the 2024/25 season took place in Sölden, Austria, the women were able to shake off their initial nervousness in the first run. They were well prepared and eager to show that their pre-season training had paid off.

On the second run the weather changed slightly, but the athletes still struggled through the steep incline with wind at the summit and flat light. Some athletes were lucky to complete a sunny run, while others had cloud cover making their visibility difficult.

After the first run, Shiffrin was in the lead with a -0.22 lead over Alice Robinson and a -0.40 lead over Federica Brignone. However, in the second run she was ready to put more on the track.

The end of the race was an exciting battle for the athletes. However, it was Italy’s Federica Brignone who came out on top with the win (-0.17). In doing so, the 34-year-old athlete set two records: the oldest woman to win a World Cup and the most victorious Italian athlete in the World Cup.

Federica Brignone (ITA). Photo: GEPA images/Harald Steiner

“I didn’t expect it; That was incredible,” Brignone said. “That was a great start to the season.”

This was her 13th GS win, so she ended the day with a chicken dance at the finish and youthful excitement during her interview. However, she still understands the work she has to do during this long break from competition until the next event.

Alice Robinson from New Zealand took second place with a strong second run. Before she entered the starting gate, her coach asked her to give it “full throttle,” and she did just that. But it wasn’t enough to win against the Italian.

The podium was completed by the Austrian Julia Scheib, who completed a quick second run. She was in 14th place after the first run and was able to make up time, giving her her first top-three finish.

Alice Robinson (NZL), Federica Brignone (ITA) and Julia Scheib (AUT). Photo: GEPA images/Wolfgang Grebien

Unfortunately, Stifel US Ski Team’s Mikaela Shiffrin lost speed in the lower portion of the course, causing her to drop down the leaderboard. She still remained in the top 5 and finished the day in 5th place.

This was Shiffrin’s first giant slalom back since her injury last season, so it was a strong finish to the start of the season for the star.

She said after the race: “Yes. I would have liked a stronger performance in the second one.”

“I felt pretty good mentally. I felt like I was able to focus on good things, but it’s still always a little difficult for me. I have to do this first race of the season to get the mentality going in the next races,” she explained.

She praised her teammates and explained that they will all go home a little hungrier.

Mikaela Shiffrin (USA). Photo: GEPA images/Patrick Steiner

Incredibly impressive returns for North Americans

Stifel US Ski Team’s Nina O’Brien and Katie Hensien returned to racing with breathtaking performances. They both exuded extreme confidence and tenacity. The sun also shone through for both athletes, giving them a slight visual advantage.

Katie Hensien took full advantage and put in an incredibly winning second run that took her to 4th place. This was the best result Hensien ever achieved in both giant slalom and slalom.

Impressively, this is only the second time Hensien has competed in the second run of a giant slalom, and she was able to maintain her lead in the second run. She screamed into the video camera: “I’m back, baby!” Not only is she back on the World Cup stage, she’s also showing high hopes for the season.

O’Brien also showed an outstanding performance and came onto the track with a large lead over the field.

She picked up speed in the final flat section, headed for the finish and finished the day in 7th place, the best result of her career. This is her third top-10 finish in the GS race and her fifth in her career.

Nina O Brien (USA). Photo: GEPA images/Wolfgang Grebien

Other North Americans

Paula Moltzan gained a clear lead at the end of the course and stormed onto the field. She showed that she really wanted it and was motivated to attack by her teammate’s performance. However, she was narrowly pushed out of the top 10, finishing the day in 11th place.

This is the best finish for the U.S. women since Waterville in 1985, when four racers finished in the top 10.

In the second run, Alpine Canada Alpin’s Britt Richardson struggled with rising winds that brought back the cloud cover. The athlete had to contend with the challenges of flat light, which caused her to lose time in the back half of the run. She finished 17th, which was her 11th top-30 finish in the World Cup giant slalom.

Her teammate Cassidy Gray broke through last season and her confidence shined in the first run and at the top of the second run. Unfortunately, in the second round she fell a little behind the front of the field and struggled to regain her balance. In her attempt to recover, she leaned over too far, which ultimately led to her DNF.