In Flachau, Shiffrin fights back tears

“We have arrived in reality,” explained the record winner of 43 World Cup slaloms two hours before midnight. Shiffrin meant that she is currently not skiing as much as she would like. And that the self-confidence she has built up over many victories is apparently nowhere to be found at the moment. “The impression is not deceptive,” said Shiffrin, still in the finish area, giving the impression of being happy to finally be able to get something off his chest.

“I'm someone who doesn't always believe so strongly in myself. Only rarely have I been so confident that I was sure I could beat everyone,” she explained. “The main reason I stayed at the top for so long was because I worked harder than the others. But victories can be over quickly. I also have to constantly take steps forward.” Emotional press conference Despite a few wobbles, the 24-year-old Shiffrin has dominated the Women's Ski World Cup for years, especially in the slalom, where she seemed unbeatable for a long time. But recently the momentum has been more with Vlhova. The only runner who has defeated Shiffrin - rarely but nevertheless - in the past three years. “We don’t play games like that.” Mikaela Shiffrin In Flachau, Shiffrin's coach Mike Day set the course for the second round, which raised angry voices in some places. At an emotional press conference, Shiffrin vehemently denied that the course had been set “against” Vlhova, fighting back tears. “We don’t play games like that. Secondly, you can't bet against her anyway, the way she's currently skiing. Petra is currently doing everything better than me, her technique is perfect. That's why she is currently the best and can drive every course well. I just wanted to make that clear.” Vlhova would like to be friends with Shiffrin “Good to hear that from her,” Vlhova noted happily shortly afterwards. There was a hug between the two opponents in the finish area. “The fight between us is good and I understand if Mika is angry. She always wants to win too,” said the Slovakian, who is the same age. “I have huge respect, she is a champion.” She would also like to be friends with her rival. “But we are both at the top right now and everyone wants to win. Maybe we can be friends later.”

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In Flachau, Shiffrin fights back tears

The beginning of the end of an era? It was not Mikaela Shiffrin's second slalom defeat in a row that raised this question at the night slalom in Flachau, but rather the US series winner's self-doubt after coming third behind Petra Vlhova and the Swede Anna Swenn Larsson.

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