Are we now witnessing an inevitable shift of power in the ladies world of Alpine ski racing? Is the stage set to be taken over by the youngsters? Since the absence of Lindsey Vonn due to her heavy injury the younger skiers have made everyone aware of their presence. Mikhaela Shiffrin (18) and Lara Gut (22) are at this very moment probably the most promising talents for the future. They have for instance won the first two races of the season and are eager to fill up their trophy cabinet even more; their hunger for glory is monumental.
Shiffrin, like Vonn is a member of the American Alpine ski team and stands just at the beginning of her career. Vonn’s outstanding abilities have undoubtedly had a great effect on the youngster as she had close contact with the world-champion as a role model and trainer.
Sometimes, however, bad things happen and somehow that’s for the greater cause. The injury Vonn incurred was no doubt devastating but consequently has given the youngsters some space to develop and flourish Instead of having ‘the lioness’ breathing in their necks and constantly dominating every discipline.
The respect towards the experienced skiers remains but it’s time for them to show the back of their tongue. They now have had the chance to exhibit their strong capabilities to the world!
Last years all-round champion Tina Maze hasn’t shown her dominance yet and as German Skier Maria Riesch is still going strong, it is questionable whether she still has what it takes to become the all-round world champion.
 |
| Lara Gut in Sölden |
Lindsey Vonn was working towards her comeback that she was set to make on the Downhill discipline in Beaver Creek on November 29th but she suffered another injury last week during training. Next week’s race comes to early and so Vonn has to wait a bit longer. At first the doctors feared she might had to miss Sochi 2014 but her recovery is going according to plan.
The season is still in the very early stages and it’s highly unlikely that one of the two cubs will win the all-round title this year. However, Shiffrin and Gut have the pleasure of experiencing the taste of victory and know exactly what needs to be done to achieve that level of success. It’s now up to them to hold on to the strong start and perform as consistent as they can to show the world that their time has come.
 |
| Riesch (L) , Shiffrin and Maze |
The Alpine ski season is starting to take shape and the men are training for the third race of the season. Downhill and Super-G are the next disciplines up in Lake Louise on November 30th (Downhill) and December 1st (Super G). A few days later the gentlemen will continue their battle on the slopes of Beaver Creek.
Ted Ligety and Marcel Hirscher are most likely the ones going to fight about place 1 and 2 on the Giant Slalom. The two men have each won one of the races but have to be careful as French skier Alexis Pinturault (22) is right behind them holding the 3rd place in the rankings. A lot off eyes will be on the Downhill and Super G in both Lake Louise and Beaver Creek.
The Friendly Giant from Norway Aksel Lund Svindall is hoping to fight himself back into the top 3. He suffered a very serious crash in 2008 in Beaver Creek which had him in the hospital for several months but his determination and concentration will bring him to the finish line. Another big name many are looking forward to see coming down is of course Bode Miller. He made his first appearance again at the World cup opening in Sölden after a long time of injuries. The 2014 Sochi winter Olympics will for sure be his last one, and depending on how his knee is doing, he hopes to continue for one or two more years.
As for the ladies, it’s up to the youngsters to show if they are ready to take over the stage again at Beaver Creek (29/11-01/12) and at Lake Louise (06/12-08/12). Many will surely be the witness of that.
This is the second year that I have to accept the fact that I can’t spend as much time and hours in the snow as I would like to. All the pictures showing up on social media of people skiing on sunny mountains is what, I heard, of amazing snow conditions, they are not a great help however for me feeling a bit sorrow. I’m biting my nails...
Watching the ski world cup eases the pain (just a little bit) and I need to be patient until the 21st of December.
I can’t wait but I have to. Time, can you not speed up a little bit faster...Thank you.
