Mikaela Shiffrin Wins Gold in Slalom
Published at(KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia) — American teenager Mikaela Shiffrin made alpine skiing history Friday, becoming the youngest ever winner of an Olympic slalom gold medal.
The 18-year-old Shriffin showed a combination of balance and agility on the course. Midway through her second run, she somehow managed to correct herself in mid-air and land her skis back between the gates.
“Today was one of the most special days of my life,” said Shiffrin.
Shiffin lost some time with her mid-run acrobatics, but won in a two-leg combined time of 1 minute, 44.54 seconds. She finished 0.53 seconds faster than Austria’s Marlies Schild, who took Silver.
“The dream died in the first run,” said Schild, who had been only sixth-fastest. “I won the silver medal in the second run and that’s great.”
Kathrin Zettel of Austria earned bronze, finishing with a total time of 1:45.35.
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