Alpine Skiing FIS World Cup 2024/25: Mikaela Shiffrin stretchered off after crash in Killington as Sara Hector claims giant slalom victory

What was supposed to be the crowning of Mikaela Shiffrin’s 100^th World Cup victory ended in a crash on her second run in Killington, Vermont on Saturday (30 November).

Instead, it was reigning Olympic champion Sara Hector who took the top step of the podium in the women’s giant slalom following a superior winning second run and with combined winning time of 1:53.08

Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic finished second, 0.54s adrift with Camille Rast of Switzerland taking third just over a second behind Hector.

Shiffrin was on the cusp of reaching the magical 100-title landmark courtesy of a 0.32s advantage over Hector following the first run. The 29-year-old Shiffrin has already cemented her name as the most successful alpine skier in history when she surpassed skiing legend Ingemar Stenmark’s all-time wins mark in March 2023 reaching number 87.

But her victory lap on home snow was not to be as she clipped a gate halfway down the run crashing and sliding into the netting. Shiffrin was taken off the slope by sled and was given a resounding send-off by the local fans.

“Mikaela took the sled down and is currently being evaluated. More info to come, but take solace in the fact that she asked about her splits,” said US Ski and Snowboard.

As ski fans are holding their breath, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, who has just come out of retirement, posted on social media: ‘Hope @MikaelaShiffrin is OK 🙏🙏.’

More updates to come