In front of a screaming crowd, Mikaela Shiffrin notched her 140th career World Cup podium with a third place finish at the Stifel Killington Cup giant slalom race Saturday.

The Stifel Killington Cup drew 18,000 die-hard ski racing fans packing the stands in the cold, sunny weather in Vermont. 

Shiffrin skied a solid line in the first run, finding herself in a fifth place, and 0.23 seconds from the lead. Moltzan was up next for the team, and nailed the top section to ski into 15th. One of the most exciting points came when AJ Hurt delivered for her U.S. fans, skiing into 12th place after running bib 37 on the first run. 

Teammates Paula Moltzan finished eighth and AJ Hurt 19th.

The sun was shining overhead as athletes made their way to the top for the second run. Moltzan’s run put her atop the leaderboard for a long time, eventually moving up from 15th to eighth overall. 

Finally Shiffrin came down as the crowd roared her on. She skied into first, thrilling the audience, and eventually moving up two spots to take third for the day and score a podium at home. 

“I did not feel good yesterday, but today was a mental adventure and I am really excited to feel some of my best turns in my skiing,” said Shiffrin. “I feel like this was one step closer from Sölden so I am pretty psyched.” 

Ultimately the fastest skier of the day was Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami with a blazing run. Second place went to New Zealand skier Alice Robinson. 

“It was a great second run so I am happy to pull it out in front of American fans,” said Moltzan. “I am hoping to find some speed for the first run tomorrow in slalom.” 

“It feels really good to put one down because it’s been a while,” said Hurt, who finished with her second-best career result. “My plan was to ski aggressive and confident all the way down. I didn’t expect that result, but I am excited.” 

Mary Bocock and Stella Johansson also raced in the first run but did not qualify for the second run. Elisabeth Bocock was on track for a strong finish, but crashed at the bottom of the course and did not finish. 

The action at the Stifel Killington Cup continues Sunday with a women’s slalom. 

RESULTS
Women’s giant slalom 

HOW TO WATCH (Times in ET)

Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023
10:00 a.m. / Stifel Killington Cup, women’s slalom, run 1 – LIVE on Outside
12:30 p.m. / Stifel Killington Cup, women’s slalom, run 1 & 2 – NBC, Peacock, Outside 
1:00 p.m. / Stifel Killington Cup, women’s slalom, run 1 – LIVE on Outside