“I kind of knew I would win, just not how,” said Zrinka Ljutic (CRO/Atomic) after securing her first Crystal Globe at the World Cup Final Slalom in Sun Valley. The 21-year-old may not have delivered her best performance of the day, finishing tenth, but the math worked in her favor as her closest competitors, Camille Rast (SUI/Head) and Katharina Liensberger (AUT/Rossignol), failed to capitalize. Rast placed 14th, while Liensberger took fifth, ensuring that the title would go to Croatia.
This milestone marks the beginning of what could be a remarkable career for Ljutic. However, the day also belonged to an established legend.
Mikaela Shiffrin (USA/Atomic) dominated the race, kicking off her next century of victories in style. The home crowd erupted as she finished 1.13 seconds ahead of Lena Duerr (GER/Head) in second and 1.14 seconds in front of Andreja Slokar (SLO/Nordica) in third. With her 101st World Cup win, Shiffrin once again showed her ability to excel even as course conditions deteriorated.
While a new champion has emerged, the upcoming season could set the stage for a thrilling battle between the sport’s rising stars and its seasoned veterans.
Ljutic Clinches the Title Despite Struggles
Ljutic entered the event as the Slalom Globe frontrunner, thanks to three wins and a second-place finish following her maiden World Cup victory in Semmering on December 29. However, she found the Sun Valley slope particularly challenging and couldn’t deliver her best skiing.
Fortunately for Ljutic, her key rivals also struggled. Rast, still recovering from injury, failed to mount a serious challenge, while Liensberger and Wendy Holdener (SUI/Atomic) put in solid performances but couldn’t overtake her in the standings.
“I got it, it’s mine,” Ljutic exclaimed. “I didn’t know how I’d win, and that made me nervous. Mentally, it was tough. But I’m happy I managed to ski well enough.”
Ljutic became only the second Croatian woman to lift the Crystal Globe, following in the footsteps of Janica Kostelić (2000/01, 2005/06).
“I grew up hearing about Janica, watching her videos. Now I’m one of Croatia’s Globe holders,” she reflected. “I think this is just the beginning. I didn’t pressure myself for results this season, but I believed I could compete for the Globe after last year.
“The last few races were tough, especially today. I learned a lot, and that pressure will definitely help me in the future.”
Shiffrin Extends Her Legacy
Fans dressed as Dalmatians dotted the Sun Valley slopes, signaling that Shiffrin was on the hunt for her 101st career win and she didn’t disappoint.
With a flawless first run, she took the lead and then dominated once again in a challenging second run. Her combination of precision and aggression made the difficult course look effortless.
“I felt really good,” Shiffrin said. “The conditions weren’t easy, but my timing was on point. I saw Lena skiing powerfully before my run, and I knew I couldn’t relax.
“You can never take it easy. But I’m really happy to end the season with this performance, especially in conditions that I don’t normally feel comfortable in. It gives me motivation for summer training and next season.”
Shiffrin also relished the energy from the home crowd. “Hearing people cheer and say, ‘Come on, Mikaela, now is your time’ that kind of support in the U.S. is incredible. It gave me the intensity I needed.”
Podium Reflections and Looking Ahead
Duerr delivered a clean and technically sound performance to claim second. “It was the perfect way to end a tough day,” she said. “I had some trouble in the second run, but I’m happy.” Her season has been marked by inconsistencies, but she was relieved to close out a race strongly.
Slokar, always confident at season finales, was thrilled with her third-place finish. “These are my conditions, and I always feel good at the finals, so I’m happy that tradition continues.”
Meanwhile, Liensberger and Rast reflected on what might have been. Liensberger, who finished second in the overall standings, admitted the pressure got to her. “I really wanted to go fast and perform my best, but it wasn’t easy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But I’ve had great results this season, and I want to carry this level into next year.”
Rast, finishing third overall, battled fitness issues throughout the season. “Since Sestriere, I gave it my all, but it wasn’t enough,” she admitted. “I couldn’t train properly. It was tough to stay fit, but I’m proud of my season. Winning the World Championship was a highlight, and this third-place finish motivates me for next year.”
With such tight competition at the top, women’s Slalom is poised for more thrilling battles in the coming seasons. But for now, celebrations are in order. As for Ljutic’s post-race plans? “I will maybe get drunk for the first time in my life,” she joked.
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