Mielzynski shines in Ofterschwang
OFTERSCHWANG, Germany - Reuters
Canada’s Erin Mielzynski celebrates after winning the FIS World Cup women’s slalom in Ofterschwang. AFP photo
Former water skier Erin Mielzynski pulled off a surprise on the snow to win a World Cup slalom in Ofterschwang yesterday in a combined time of 1 minute and 53.59 seconds.The 21-year-old Canadian had a previous best finish of 13th in a World Cup slalom but appeared at ease on snow made soft by days of sunshine in Germany.
“I worked really hard this year and I battled with my confidence and so many things that I managed to do that,” she said. “I didn’t do anything different, I just skied on race day like I do in training.”
The peculiar condition of the snow seemed to favor the North Americans and Resi Stiegler of the U.S. was second for her first career podium following a series of injuries in recent seasons.
The daughter of 1964 Olympic slalom champion Joseph Stiegler has broken her leg three times since 2008.
The result was such an achievement that she was hoisted aloft in triumph in the finish area by compatriot and World Cup leader Lindsey Vonn.
World champion Marlies Schild finished third 0.07 adrift of Mielsynski secure the specialty’s World Cup crystal globe.
Winner of six out of eight slaloms this season, Schild leads second-placed Tina Maze of Slovenia by 299 points with only two races left.
Giant slalom world champion Maze, fastest in the first run, slid out in the afternoon, failing again in her bid for a first World Cup victory this season.
Also yesterday, Kjetil Jansrud finally earned the success he deserved by winning a super-G in Kvitfjell, Norway for his first World Cup victory after nine podium finishes.
The 26-year-old Norwegian, better known as a giant slalom specialist, won with a time of one minute 34.02 seconds to cap a weekend that included third place in Friday’s super-G and second in Saturday’s downhill.
Compatriot Aksel Lund Svindal finished second, 0.21 behind, and took a big step towards winning the crystal globe in the event.
