GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany — Marlies Schild led Austria to a 1-2 finish in the women’s slalom at the world championships Saturday, living up to expectations by winning her first major title.
Schild led after the first run and overcame some shaky moments in the second to become the first Austrian to win the women’s slalom since Karin Buder in 1993.
“I can’t believe it. I tried not to think that I was racing for gold,” said Schild, who posted a two-run time of 1 minute, 45.79 seconds. “The second run was hell.”
Kathrin Zettel was 0.34 seconds behind, and Maria Pietilae-Holmner of Sweden earned bronze, 0.65 seconds back.
Resi Stiegler was the top U.S. finisher in 19th, repeating the result she had two years ago at the worlds in Val d’Isere, France.
“As hard as I am on myself, I have to be really happy,” said Stiegler, who has struggled since breaking her leg in 2007.
Tina Maze of Slovenia, the giant slalom champion, finished fifth, ahead of Manuela Moelgg of Italy.
Schild’s victory meant Austria completed the women’s schedule at the two-week championships by winning three of four events.
Men’s slalom today.
If Olympic silver medalist Ivica Kostelic delivers in today’s slalom, the Croat is likely to walk away with two medals from a world championship.
Kostelic racked up more points in slalom than in any other discipline this season. He surprisingly won bronze in the event’s opening super-G last week.
