Topline
Two-time Olympic gold medal winning skier Mikaela Shiffrin was disqualified from the women’s slalom event at the Beijing Winter Olympics on Wednesday, dealing a major blow to the medal hopes of the American star who is widely considered the best female skier in the world.
Key Facts
Shiffrin was disqualified after she lost control and missed a handful of turns just seconds into her first run of the Women’s slalom event.
The star skier was visibly disappointed by the result as she sat in the snow and bowed her head down for several minutes.
After the event, Shiffrin fought back tears while telling reporters that she wanted to do her best skiing and her quickest turns meant she had to push the line, leaving her very little margin for error.
Wednesday’s outcome was made worse by the fact that this is her second consecutive disqualification at the Beijing Olympic after she was knocked out of the giant slalom event earlier this week.
What To Watch For
Shiffrin has stated that she plans to participate in all five individual ski races at the Olympics. If the American star wins a gold medal in any of the three remaining events she would become only the second female ski racer to win gold medals at three consecutive Olympic games.
Crucial Quote
Shiffrin’s compatriot and former Olympic Gold Medalist skier Lindsey Vonn offered her support by tweeting: “Gutted for Mikaela Shiffrin, but this does not take away from her storied career and what she can and will accomplish going forward. Keep your head high.”
