Mikaela Shiffrin unable to break Lindsey Vonn’s record as Petra Vlhova snatches win at Flachau

<strong>Mikaela Shiffrin unable to break Lindsey Vonn’s record as Petra Vlhova snatches win at Flachau</strong>

Lindsey Vonn and Petra Vlhova [Image Credit: ClickonDetroit]

Unfortunately, Olympic champion Mikaela Shifrrin’s teammates failed to lift up the “8” and “3” balloons in the air on Tuesday. Shiffrin’s anticipated 83rd World Cup record-breaking win got delayed as her rival Petra Vlhova snatched the victory at Flachau, Austria. 

For Petra, it was her first World Cup win of the 2022-23 season. During the race, Petra achieved a record of 1.51.95 in two slalom runs, while Mikaela had 1.52.38, a .26 back. Lena Duerr who came in 3rd clocked out at 1.52.80. Thus, Mikaela’s quest to break Lindsey Vonn’s record will continue, as the Olympian herself noted that even she doesn’t know when that day will come.

Mikaela noted, according to Olympics.com, “This season is different though, because of where I am with the records. There is so much more expectation that I will win”. “It’s just the constant question of, ‘So, when are you going to get 82?’ I’m like, ‘Hell if I know!’ ‘When are you going to get 83? Is it going to be today?’ Like, I don’t know any more than you do.”

Related: Mikaela Shiffrin opens up about mental health issues after getting inspired by legendary gymnast Simone Biles

Mikaela Shiffrin continues her 83rd World Cup chase as Petra Vlhova takes center stage

Lindsey Vonn, Petra Vlhova, and Lena Duerr [Image Credit: Euro Sport]
Lindsey Vonn, Petra Vlhova, and Lena Duerr [Image Credit: Euro Sport]

Petra Vlhova, the World Cup winner noted, “I am really happy because it was a long, long way to come back here and be speaking with you, so for me, it’s an amazing day”. “I’m super happy to win here because it’s something special.”

Prior to the race, Mikaela Shiffrin’s head coach Mike Day stated, that the 27-year-old skier was “not feeling tip-top”. She further continued, “It was good skiing, for sure not her best, but it was good skiing,” according to CBC. 

Mikaela spoke with Austrian TV noting, “I don’t feel very well, but that is not surprising at the end of a long stretch of races. And no matter what, Petra skied amazing tonight and she deserves the victory”. “Ideally, there is not a story about how I’m feeling.” 

“I earned the second place and she earned the victory tonight, and that was quite an amazing show”. “It was a little bit difficult this evening to perform top-top, but even then, I felt some turns that I loved to feel.” 

This is not the end though, the next time Mikaela takes on ice will be at World Cup in Cortina, Italy.  It’ll take place between 20-22 January. Mikaela who is on the verge of breaking the former skier record was praised for her dedication and tenacity. Lindsey Vonn praised Mikaela for her tremendous achievements, saying, “[Mikaela] is the best skier that has ever lived in my eyes”. 

“She will break my record of World Cup wins very quickly and will become the greatest skier in history.” “She is an amazing athlete and has an almost perfect slalom technique. She trains in a special way with a lot of repetitions.”

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