JUST IN: “It doesn’t feel like a big step” – Mikaela Shiffrin Expresses Disappointment After Finishing 28th on Return to Giant Slalom on….

JUST IN: “It doesn’t feel like a big step” – Mikaela Shiffrin Expresses Disappointment After Finishing 28th on Return to Giant Slalom on….

Mikaela Shiffrin, the world-renowned American alpine ski racer, made her long-awaited return to the Giant Slalom event after an extended break, but her performance left her far from satisfied. Finishing 28th in the race, Shiffrin expressed a sense of frustration, revealing that the result did not feel like a significant step forward in her recovery and comeback journey.

After the race, Shiffrin admitted that while she had hoped for a better result, the performance did not provide the sense of accomplishment she was seeking. “It doesn’t feel like a big step,” she said candidly. “I thought coming back would feel different, but today, it just didn’t feel like the progress I was hoping for.” The 28th-place finish is a stark contrast to her usual podium positions, where she has dominated the sport in both Giant Slalom and Slalom disciplines for over a decade.

Shiffrin’s struggles on the slopes are made all the more remarkable given her previous form. She has racked up numerous World Cup victories, including an extraordinary 83 World Cup wins, and has proven to be a force in every alpine discipline. However, this return marks a challenging phase of her career. Following a period of recovery from injuries and personal losses, Shiffrin has gradually made her comeback, competing in multiple events across various disciplines. Despite her previous success in slalom and technical events, the Giant Slalom has been a discipline where Shiffrin has faced particular challenges over the years.

The race today was an important moment in her return, but it seemed to have exposed some lingering doubts. Shiffrin mentioned that she felt she was still “a few steps away” from regaining her top-level performance, and it was clear that the mental and physical hurdles were proving difficult to overcome. The skier also reflected on the competition, noting that many of her rivals had been performing at an exceptionally high level, further contributing to the pressure she was feeling.

Though she was undoubtedly disappointed, Shiffrin remained optimistic, emphasizing that progress comes in increments. “I know the journey isn’t always linear. Some days are harder than others,” she shared with reporters. “It’s just going to take more time and more work to get back to where I want to be, but I’m not giving up.” Her resilience and commitment to her sport have always been a hallmark of her career, and this setback is no different.

Shiffrin’s fans and colleagues continue to show their unwavering support, understanding that a comeback of this magnitude is never easy. The skier remains one of the most talented athletes in the world, and despite today’s result, she has the potential to rebound and reclaim her spot at the top.

The road ahead for Shiffrin is certainly not without its challenges. However, her transparency and candidness about her emotions highlight the mental and physical toll that elite-level sport can take. As she looks ahead to future races, the world will be watching to see how she responds to this tough setback, and whether she can bounce back in her beloved Giant Slalom discipline.

Shiffrin will next compete in upcoming World Cup events, where her fans and fellow athletes are hopeful that she will find her form again and continue her journey towards regaining the heights she once reached in the sport.