Kostelic Achieves Alpine “Grand Slam”

Ski2b Redaktion 05.02.2006 16:23 Uhr

Croatia’s Janica Kostelic has written ski history with her victory in the women’s slalom in Ofterschwang. She is the first woman since Petra Kronberger to celebrate victories in all five disciplines in the same season. She was followed by Austrians Kathrin Zettel and Marlies Schild in second and third place.

Special Position in the Sport Proved Once Again
With her victory, Kostelic underlined her special position in women’s alpine skiing. After missing the final in yesterday’s race due to fatigue from a virus, she was able to put down a good run for third place in the first run. That put her within striking distance of the leader, Anja Pärson of Sweden. In the final, Kostelic once again skied freely and was a in a class of her own. Her competitors were closely ranked after the first run, but Kostelic managed to ski more than a second faster. This was an impressive performance from the Croatian just five days before the XX Olympic Winter Games. Kostelic is currently monopolizing the lead in the slalom World Cup and is still the leader of the overall World Cup standings.

Austrian Armada Places 2nd to 4th
Today Michaela Kirchgasser proved that the Austrians have more than just three good slalom skiers. She wasn’t afraid to take risks and put the pedal to the metal to ski a tight line through the Allgaeu course. Nevertheless, two teammates were faster. Kathrin Zettel once again missed the chance to score her first victory in Ofterschwang and finished second. Marlies Schild gambled away her chances for the victory in a not so successful first run. Schild then skied rather self-consciously in the final run but – despite a mistake – took the lead. In the end, it was still enough for third place.

No Reward for Strong Swedish Skiers
The Swedish athletes will certainly be among the favorites at the Olympics. They were once again strong in Ofterschwang but went unrewarded for their efforts. Anja Pärson risked everything to beat Kostelic’s time in the final run – but was eliminated. Maria Pietilae-Holmner was also denied a good placement and slipped before then being eliminated. Only two Swedes made it to the final standings. Anna Ottosson finished seventh, and Therese Borssen was twelfth. Anja Pärson also has a chance for a “Grand Slam” this winter. The only discipline she hasn’t won this season is the super combined.

Ofterschwang Impresses FIS
With the smooth execution of the races in Allgaeu, the organizers have obviously won over the FIS and will apparently be permitted to host World Cup races again in two years. The athletes also enjoyed a perfectly prepared slope in the slalom, which allowed even athletes with higher start numbers to still have an equal chance. The atmosphere among the spectators was also great for the last ski race as well.