SCHLADMING, Austria (Feb. 14) - Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO) had an impressive debut in her first major championship event finishing a career best sixth in giant slalom at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Schladming. First run leader Tessa Worley of France was a runaway gold medalist taking the title by 1.12 over Tina Maze of Slovenia with Anna Fenninger of Austria third. Universal Sports Network will carry coverage at 11:00 a.m. EST.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mikaela Shiffrin (Eagle-Vail, CO) was sixth in her World Championship debut, knifing the bottom to score her best international GS finish ever.
- Shiffrin was fifth after the first run, tied with Sweden's Frida Hansdotter. After dropping back mid-course, Shiffrin came charging back with an aggressive line on the steep bottom face to make up over a half second and come within .02 of Hansdotter's lead at the time.
- Super G bronze medalist Julia Mancuso (Squaw Valley, CA) closed her sixth World Championships with 22nd.
- Universal Sports Network will provide coverage at 11:00 a.m. EST with re-airs at 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
QUOTES
Mikaela Shiffrin
It felt different than a normal World Cup start because I had really good training and had a lot of confidence going into the race. But in the end, it was just me, my skis and red and blue gates. It was loud but it helps me get down because the crowd has so much energy.
I felt like I skied both runs really well at the bottom and just kind of solid at the top. I could have been faster. I was searching for that place where I can take my training into the race. In training I tend to get better top to bottom. I go out of the start in a race and have to figure out how to get six training runs into one race run. It's a little bit mind boggling but I love racing.
I feel a little bit of pressure but it doesn't distract me. But I don't let it bother me. It's just racing and I've done it so many times that I can't possibly be disappointed. It's the best GS result of my career and I'm really happy about that, but I know I can do better.
Julia Mancuso
For me in GS, I need to have more confidence skiing fast in training. But I also know it will come back soon.
It's exciting to see the success of the team. Everyone is skiing well. Everyone asks why we do so well but I think it's just because we think of everything like it's about the skiing. It's not like we have to get a medal on these races - you just go out and do your best and try to win. It's really about wanting to win - look at Ted, he doesn't just want to get a medal, he wants to win. And he's having awesome runs. Mikaela's just a really solid skier and this hill suits her. It will be interesting to see her slalom after the result today in GS.
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