What's Happening?
Mikaela Shiffrin, a prominent figure in alpine skiing, is focusing on the World Cup season rather than the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Shiffrin believes that maintaining consistent performance
throughout the World Cup season will better prepare her for the Olympics. She has experienced both triumphs and setbacks at the Games, including two gold medals and a challenging experience in Beijing. Shiffrin plans to compete in slalom and giant slalom, with super-G as a possibility, but has ruled out downhill for this season due to limited training following a previous injury.
Why It's Important?
Shiffrin's approach reflects a strategic shift in how athletes prepare for major events, emphasizing consistent performance over peak training for a single event. This strategy could influence other athletes and coaches in their preparation for the Olympics. Shiffrin's decision to focus on the World Cup also highlights the importance of the circuit in maintaining competitive form and gaining momentum. Her performance will be closely watched as she aims to balance her participation in multiple disciplines while managing her training and recovery.
What's Next?
Shiffrin will begin her World Cup season with a giant slalom race in Soelden, Austria. Her performance in the early races will be crucial in determining her readiness for the Olympics. As the season progresses, Shiffrin will need to manage her training schedule to accommodate potential participation in super-G events. The U.S. women's ski team, which has shown strong performance recently, will also play a role in Shiffrin's preparation and strategy for the Olympics.
