ASPEN — Mikaela Shiffrin of Eagle-Vail made a spectacular breakthrough today in front of a delighted home crowd, finishing eighth in just her second World Cup slalom start.
On one of the circuit’s most challenging hills, the 16-year-old who began racing with Ski Club Vail was the only U.S. racer to qualify for the second run (by finishing top 30 in the first run).
“This is the best I’ve ever felt, ski racing,” Shiffrin said. “I’m really happy.”
Young racers with so little experience rarely finish both runs, let alone crack the top 10.
“No kidding,” said U.S. alpine director Patrick Riml. “It’s impressive.”
Shiffrin spent last season on the NorAm circuit and made her World Cup debut at the end of the season in March, racing a giant slalom and slalom in the Czech Republic. She will race full time on the World Cup this winter.
“I’m very excited,” Shiffrin said. “It’s unreal.”
Vail’s Lindsey Vonn took the day off to let a strained back heal before races this week in Lake Louise, Alberta.
Austria’s Marlies Schild won the slalom. Maria Pietilae-Holmner of Sweden was second.
