Swiss Double Victory in Flachau: Camille Rast Triumphs, Wendy Holdener Left Annoyed
The Flachau World Cup slalom on January 14, 2025, delivered a night of high drama and Swiss dominance as Camille Rast clinched a thrilling victory, edging out her compatriot Wendy Holdener by a mere 16 hundredths of a second. The event, held under the floodlights of the Flachau ski resort, showcased the best of alpine skiing, with Rast’s stunning comeback stealing the show.
A Comeback for the Ages
Table of Contents
- Mélanie Meillard Nears Podium as Michelle Gisin Bids Farewell to Slalom
Camille Rast’s journey to victory was nothing short of breathtaking. After a cautious first run left her in eighth place, the 25-year-old from Valais unleashed a “magic run” in the second round, clocking the fastest time of 56.75 seconds. This remarkable performance propelled her to the top of the podium, marking her second World Cup victory this season and her career.
“Almost my whole family was there,” Rast shared in an interview with SRF. “I just knew that now I had to give it my all.” Her determination paid off, as she not only secured the win but also reclaimed the lead in both the overall and slalom World Cup standings.
Holdener’s Near Miss
While Rast celebrated, Wendy Holdener was left ruing what could have been. The 31-year-old veteran, who has 38 World Cup slalom podiums to her name, finished second, just 0.16 seconds behind Rast. Holdener had entered the second run with a agreeable lead of 0.75 seconds over her teammate but couldn’t capitalize on her advantage.
“I was a little annoyed,” Holdener admitted, reflecting on her missed opportunity. Despite her frustration, her performance solidified her status as one of the sport’s most consistent contenders.
A Swiss Festivity
The night in Flachau was a Swiss affair, with Rast and Holdener dominating the podium. The victory also marked a significant milestone for Rast, who now shares the record for slalom World Cup wins with Holdener, each having two victories to their name.
The Flachau ski resort, known for its world-class slopes and vibrant atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for this alpine spectacle. The event drew thousands of spectators, who witnessed firsthand the skill and determination of these elite athletes.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Winner | Camille Rast (SUI) – 1:55.03 (Run 1: 58.28, Run 2: 56.75) |
| Runner-Up | Wendy Holdener (SUI) – 1:55.19 |
| Event | Flachau World Cup Slalom |
| Date | January 14,2025 |
| Venue | Flachau Ski Resort |
| Standings Impact | rast leads overall and slalom World Cup standings |
Looking Ahead
As the 2024/2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season progresses,all eyes will be on Rast and Holdener as they continue their battle for supremacy. With Rast’s momentum and Holdener’s experience, the competition promises to deliver more thrilling moments.
For now, Camille Rast can bask in the glory of her flachau triumph, while Wendy Holdener will undoubtedly be plotting her comeback. one thing is certain: the Swiss duo has set the stage for an unforgettable season.
Mélanie Meillard Nears Podium as Michelle Gisin Bids Farewell to Slalom
The world of alpine skiing is witnessing a shift in dynamics as rising stars like Mélanie Meillard inch closer to the podium while seasoned athletes like Michelle Gisin make strategic decisions about their careers. The recent slalom event in Flachau was a stage for both triumph and transition, showcasing the evolving landscape of the sport.
Mélanie Meillard: A Talent on the Rise
For the third time this winter, Mélanie meillard secured fifth place in a World Cup slalom event, solidifying her status as one of the most promising talents in alpine skiing. The 26-year-old from Neuchâtel, Switzerland, has long been regarded as a prodigy, and her consistent performances this season suggest that her first podium finish in a core discipline is imminent.
“It seems only a matter of time before Löic Meillard’s younger sister gets her first podium finish,” noted commentators, referencing her previous third-place finish in a city event. Meillard’s journey has been marked by steady progress,and her ability to compete with the world’s best slalom skiers underscores her potential.
Michelle Gisin’s Strategic Shift
While Meillard’s star continues to rise, Michelle Gisin has made a pivotal decision about her career. The 31-year-old Swiss skier announced that the slalom in Flachau would be her last in the discipline. gisin, who finished 23rd in the event, explained that she plans to focus on giant slalom, downhill, and super-G moving forward.
“It’s time to focus on just three disciplines,” Gisin stated.“I am incredibly grateful for all the years at the top of the world in slalom.” This strategic shift allows Gisin to concentrate on her strengths and optimize her performance in the disciplines where she excels most.
Gisin’s decision reflects the challenges of balancing multiple disciplines at the highest level of competition. By narrowing her focus, she aims to maintain her competitive edge and continue contributing to Switzerland’s legacy in alpine skiing.
The Future of Swiss skiing
The contrasting trajectories of Meillard and Gisin highlight the evolving nature of Swiss skiing. Meillard’s ascent represents the next generation of talent, while Gisin’s recalibration demonstrates the adaptability required to sustain a long and successful career.
key highlights from Flachau
| Skier | Event | Result | Notable achievement |
|———————-|—————–|——————|—————————————————–|
| Mélanie Meillard | Slalom | 5th Place | Consistent top-tier performances this season |
| Michelle Gisin | Slalom | 23rd Place | Final slalom appearance before focusing on 3 events |
What’s Next?
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Mélanie Meillard to see if she can break through to the podium. Meanwhile, Michelle Gisin will continue to compete in her chosen disciplines, aiming to add to her impressive list of accolades.For fans of alpine skiing, this is a thrilling time to follow the sport. Whether you’re rooting for the rising stars or the seasoned veterans, the competition promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
Stay tuned for more updates on the world Cup circuit and the latest developments in the world of alpine skiing.
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Image Credit: Michelle Gisin in actionMichelle Gisin bids Farewell to Slalom: A Look Back at Her Stellar Career
Michelle Gisin,the Swiss skiing sensation,has announced her decision to step away from slalom racing,marking the end of an era for one of the sport’s most versatile athletes. The 31-year-old from Engelberg, who has been a fixture in the World Cup circuit for years, made the declaration after a season that saw her struggle to maintain her previous dominance in the discipline.
Gisin’s slalom career has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of 103 World Cup slaloms, she stood on the podium nine times, including a memorable victory in december 2020 at Semmering. Her prowess in slalom was also instrumental in her greatest achievements: Olympic gold medals in the Alpine combined at both the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Winter Games.
Though, this season has been a different story. Gisin’s best result in slalom was a 19th-place finish, a far cry from her previous heights. “Gisin was no longer up to speed in the slalom,” the article notes, highlighting the challenges she faced in maintaining her competitive edge.with her decision to retire from slalom, the skiing world is losing one of its last true all-rounders. Gisin has been a rare athlete capable of excelling across multiple disciplines, a testament to her skill, determination, and versatility.
Key Highlights of Michelle Gisin’s Slalom Career
| Statistic | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Total World Cup Races | 103 |
| Podium Finishes | 9 |
| Victories | 1 (Semmering, December 2020) |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 2 (2018 PyeongChang, 2022 beijing – Alpine Combined) |
| Best Result This Season | 19th place |
Gisin’s departure from slalom racing is a poignant moment for fans and the sport alike. Her ability to compete at the highest level across disciplines has set her apart, and her legacy as an all-rounder will undoubtedly inspire future generations of skiers.As the skiing community reflects on her contributions, one thing is clear: Michelle Gisin’s impact on the sport extends far beyond her podium finishes. Her dedication, resilience, and passion for skiing have left an indelible mark.
For those looking to relive some of Gisin’s most iconic moments,check out the live ticker that chronicles her journey.
What are your favorite memories of Michelle Gisin’s slalom career? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we celebrate the legacy of one of skiing’s greats.
Top competing in slalom events, marking the end of an era in her illustrious career. The recent slalom in Flachau served as her final appearance in the discipline, where she finished 23rd. Gisin, a versatile skier known for her prowess in multiple disciplines, has decided to focus on giant slalom, downhill, and super-G moving forward.
A Career Defined by versatility and Excellence
Michelle Gisin’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Born into a family of skiing legends, including her sister Dominique Gisin, Michelle has carved out her own legacy in the world of alpine skiing. Over the years, she has demonstrated extraordinary skill across various disciplines, earning her a place among the sport’s elite.
Gisin’s decision to step away from slalom reflects her strategic approach to maintaining peak performance. “It’s time to focus on just three disciplines,” she stated. “I am incredibly grateful for all the years at the top of the world in slalom.”
Key Achievements in Slalom
Throughout her career, Gisin has achieved numerous milestones in slalom, including:
- Olympic Success: Gisin won a gold medal in the combined event at the 2018 winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, showcasing her ability to excel in both speed and technical disciplines.
- World Cup Podiums: She has secured multiple podium finishes in World Cup slalom events, consistently competing against the best in the world.
- Consistency and Resilience: Gisin’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to challenging conditions has been a hallmark of her career.
Looking Ahead: focus on Giant Slalom,Downhill,and Super-G
By narrowing her focus to giant slalom,downhill,and super-G,Gisin aims to optimize her performance and continue contributing to Switzerland’s dominance in alpine skiing. her decision underscores the challenges of balancing multiple disciplines at the highest level of competition.
What’s Next for michelle Gisin?
As Gisin transitions to a more focused approach, fans can expect to see her continue to compete at the highest level in her chosen disciplines. Her experience, skill, and determination make her a formidable contender in any event she enters.
Swiss Skiing’s Evolving Landscape
Gisin’s decision to step away from slalom coincides with the rise of young talents like Mélanie Meillard, who is making waves in the sport. This shift highlights the dynamic nature of Swiss skiing, where seasoned veterans and emerging stars coexist, each contributing to the country’s rich skiing heritage.
Key Highlights from Flachau
| Skier | Event | Result | Notable Achievement |
|———————-|—————–|——————|—————————————————–|
| Mélanie Meillard | Slalom | 5th Place | Consistent top-tier performances this season |
| Michelle Gisin | Slalom | 23rd Place | Final slalom appearance before focusing on 3 events |
Conclusion
Michelle gisin’s farewell to slalom marks the end of a significant chapter in her career, but it also signals the beginning of a new phase focused on her strengths. As she continues to compete in giant slalom, downhill, and super-G, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from this Swiss skiing icon.
Meanwhile,the rise of talents like Mélanie Meillard ensures that the future of Swiss skiing remains bright.Whether you’re rooting for the seasoned veterans or the rising stars, the world of alpine skiing promises to deliver unforgettable moments in the seasons to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on the World Cup circuit and the latest developments in the world of alpine skiing.
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Image Credit: Michelle Gisin in action
