Vonn won her fourth consecutive race, the giant slalom, in World Cup competition in Are, Sweden. The event is not her best — she is stronger in downhill and super-G, the speed events. But she delivered a winning performance in trying conditions.
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Shiffrin was not as fortunate. A world champion at 20, Shiffrin crashed during a warmup run and missed the competition. She was taken for medical examination, with attention on her right knee. She posted a picture on her Facebook page showing her knee in a brace.
Mikaela Shiffrin, via Facebook
UPDATE: Shiffrin posted the following on her Facebook page:
Shiffrin was freestyle skiing when she fell and slid into the course’s protective netting, according to Skiracing.com.
Vonn had no problems. Her combine time of 2 minutes, 4.70 seconds was 0.007 faster than Eva-Maria Brem of Austria. Runs were shortened because of strong wind, but Vonn found familiarity in a nighttime performance.
“I love racing here in Are under the lights,” Vonn said.
“I feel really good on my skis and balanced. I have a lot of confidence, especially after Lake Louise,” she said. “I said last week if I finish Lake Louise strong that always means good things for the rest of the season.”
Lindsey Vonn (Getty Images)
It was the 71st World Cup victory for Vonn, 31, and one she credited to experience.
“The old woman still has some tricks up her sleeve,” the 31-year-old Vonn added. “I’m not maybe as agile as I used to be. I’m not maybe as explosive. But at the same time I know my ability and I know what I can do and I know in different situations what is required of me.
“And so I knew today it was going to take two really good, aggressive runs and my experience paid off and I was able to win.”
Next up: Sunday’s slalom competition.
Contributing: Associated Press, NBC Sports, CNN
