Cortina D’ampezzo, Italy
American Mikaela Shiffrin claimed a record-breaking ninth world championships podium finish by taking gold in the women’s combined on Monday and said winning a medal was a bonus on top of the adrenaline rush alpine skiing generates.
The 25-year-old from Vail, Colorado topped the standings in the combined event after an impeccable two-leg performance which saw her spring from third in the super-G to first place after brushing aside her rivals in the slalom.
Shiffrin surpassed compatriot Lindsey Vonn with a ninth overall world championships medal, having racked up her sixth gold and first at this year’s event after taking bronze in Thursday’s super-G. She said winning was the icing on the cake in a sport where several hundredths of a second can make all the difference.
“I always try to be on top, not because of the records but because I like to ski fast,” the twice Olympic gold medallist told a news conference.
“It’s amazing to win a gold medal on any day at any race but today was just spectacular.”
Shiffrin trailed Italians Federica Brignone and Elena Curtoni after the morning super-G although her job was made somewhat easier when Brignone crashed out of the slalom.—AP
