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Paula Moltzan, Mikaela Shiffrin, and US women start the Olympic season strong on slopes

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The United States women kicked off the Olympic season with a bang.

Paula Moltzan won the silver medal in the giant slalom at Soelden, Austria, after leading three Americans to the top six. Mikaela Shiffrin finished fourth, almost missing out on bronze by 0.31 seconds, while Nina O’Brien came in sixth. Moltzan achieved a career-best result in the GS.

Alpine Skiing – FIS Alpine Ski World Cup – Women’s Giant Slalom – Soelden, Austria – October 25, 2025 Mikaela Shiffrin and the U.S. ski team celebrate a successful day in the season’s first World Cup race

“For our (US) team, this was a fantastic day,” Shiffrin said.

Shiffrin started 20th in the first run, far behind the favorites, because to a crash in the GS at Killington, Vermont, last season and the resulting PTSD, which cost her points for the start order. Despite finishing sixth in the first run, the lifetime leader in World Cup wins demonstrated her ability to remain a formidable force.

©MARCO BERTORELLO, AFP via Getty Images
US Mikaela Shiffrin, winner, celebrates on the podium of the Women’s Slalom event during the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Sestriere, Italy, on February 23, 2025. US Mikaela Shiffrin won ahead Croatia’s Zrinca Ljutic, second and US Paula Moltzan, third. Mikaela Shiffrin takes 100th World Cup skiing win with Sestrieres slalom.

©MARCO BERTORELLO, AFP via Getty Images
US Mikaela Shiffrin, winner, poses with skis marking her “100 Victories” after the podium ceremony of the Women’s Slalom event during the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Sestriere, Italy, on February 23, 2025. US Mikaela Shiffrin won ahead Croatia’s Zrinca Ljutic, second and US Paula Moltzan, third. Mikaela Shiffrin takes 100th World Cup skiing win with Sestrieres slalom.

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US Mikaela Shiffrin competes in the Women’s Slalom event during the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Sestriere, Italy, on February 23, 2025.

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Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States reacts during the medal ceremony for the Women’s Giant Slalom in the Audi FIS Alpine World Ski Championships at Zwšlferkogel on February 13, 2025 in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.

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Winner US’ Mikaela Shiffrin (L) and US’ Breezy Johnson celebrate during the medal ceremony after the Women’s Team Combined event of the Saalbach 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Hinterglemm on February 11, 2025.

©FABRICE COFFRINI, AFP via Getty Images
US’ Mikaela Shiffrin competes in the Slalom run of the Women’s Team Combined event of the Saalbach 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Hinterglemm on February 11, 2025.

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Mikaela Shiffrin in action during the first Women’s Slalom run at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Courchevel, France on Jan. 30, 2025.

©Millo Moravski/Agence Zoom, Getty Images
Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States competes during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Women’s Slalom on Jan. 30, 2025 in Courchevel, France.

©Christian Hartmann, Reuters
Mikaela Shiffrin in action during the first Women’s Slalom run at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Courchevel, France on Jan. 30, 2025.

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Mikaela Shiffrin competes in the first run of the women’s Slalom of the FIS Alpine Skiing 2024/2025 World Cup event in Courchevel, French Alps, on Jan. 30, 2025.

©Christian Hartmann, Reuters
Mikaela Shiffrin in action during the first Women’s Slalom run at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Courchevel, France on Jan. 30, 2025.

©Jeff Pachoud, AFP via Getty Images
Mikaela Shiffrin competes in the first run of the women’s Slalom of the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup event in Courchevel, French Alps, on Jan. 30, 2025.

©Michel Cottin/Agence Zoom, Getty Images
Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States competes during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Women’s Slalom on Jan. 30, 2025 in Courchevel, France.

©Christian Hartmann, Reuters
Mikaela Shiffrin of the U.S. reacts after the second Women’s Slalom run at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Courchevel, France, Jan. 30, 2025.

Shiffrin briefly led the second run until being passed by Austrian champion Julia Schieb, Moltzan, and Swiss Lara Gut-Behrami.

“I’m fourth, and I’m over the moon. Shiffrin stated, “It’s a really, really good step, but I still have room for improvement.” “I have a lot of work to complete. I am excited to accomplish it. – “Every aspect of today was a monumental step.”

This is the strongest American crew in years in both tech and speed races, as seen by their impressive results. Skiers from the United States were also present.

According to Olympics.com, the Americans had the highest number of skiers in a GS event in 30 years, with six making the second run. Katie Hensien and A.J. Hurt finished 12th and 13th, respectively, while Elisabeth Bocock placed 19th.

“The bronze medal in GS (at last year’s world championships) kind of kick started my GS,” Moltzan told me. “To have a medal just reminds me that you do belong here.”

There is no better time than now, with the Milan Cortina Olympics only four months away.

This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Paula Moltzan, Mikaela Shiffrin, and US women start the Olympic season strong on slopes.

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