Robinson Dominates in Giant slalom Showdown
New Zealand’s Alice Robinson made history, claiming her fourth career victory in the women’s giant slalom. The event, held on the challenging Kronplatz course, was filled with drama and upsets, with several contenders vying for the top spot.
From the outset, it was clear that Robinson was a force to be reckoned with. Sarah hector and thea Louise Stjernesund both faced early setbacks, leaving Robinson to face strong competition from Federica brignone and Lara Gut-Behrami.
Robinson’s winning strategy was simple yet powerful: “I’m just proud and the second run I just really wanted to be brave and ski on the limit and I’m really proud of that,” she shared after the race.
Gut-Behrami, despite a costly mistake in her first run, displayed remarkable resilience, ultimately securing second place and her first giant slalom podium of the 2024-25 season. The race took a dramatic turn when Brignone, leading after the first run, suffered a crash, mirroring Sara Hector’s earlier misfortune. This cleared the path for USA’s Paula Moltzan,who capitalized on the chance with the second-fastest run,securing third place just 0.94 seconds behind Robinson.
Meanwhile,Sofia Goggia,a prominent figure in speed events,continued to struggle in giant slalom,failing to complete the first run. Over-leaning on the flatter top section of the course, the Italian star regrettably slipped out of contention. Julia Scheib of Austria also experienced heartbreak, losing nearly half a second lead over Brignone when she clipped a gate just meters from the finish line.
Robinson’s victory solidifies her position as a dominant force in the world of women’s alpine skiing. Her performance showcases not only her remarkable technical skills but also her mental fortitude and ability to rise to the occasion under pressure.
Giant Slalom Champion Alice Robinson on Strategy, Resilience, and rising Stars
Alice Robinson’s recent victory at the Giant Slalom in Lenzerheide was a dominant display of skill and determination. “I knew I had to give it my all,” she stated, reflecting on the final runs, “especially after seeing some of the top skiers face setbacks. I really wanted to push myself and ski on the limit. I’m proud of my aggressive approach and how it paid off.”
the Kronplatz course, notorious for its challenging sections, presented a unique test. Robinson explained, “It’s true, the course presented challenging sections that could make or break a run. I focused on staying relaxed and trusting my technique. I’ve learned that even when the course doesn’t favor me, resilience and adaptability can lead to success.”
this victory cements Robinson’s position as a force to watch in women’s alpine skiing. Looking ahead, she highlights several young talents making waves.”There are many talented skiers out there,” she observes, “but I’m particularly impressed by young stars like Paula Moltzan and established competitors like Lara Gut-Behrami.”
Robinson believes consistency, ongoing technique refinement, and course-specific strategy adjustments will be crucial for success in the upcoming season.
Driven by the legacy of unbelievable female athletes who came before her, Robinson aspires to leave her own mark on the sport. “Ultimately, my long-term goal is to stand atop the Olympic podium, but I’m also excited about the chance to grow the sport and inspire the next generation of female skiers.”
How has Alice Robinson’s team contributed to her success this season?
Archyde News Exclusive: A Chat with History-Maker, Alice Robinson
Archyde News: Good day, Ms. Robinson. Congratulations on your impressive victory in the women’s giant slalom at Kronplatz. Four career wins at such a young age is nothing short of remarkable.
Alice Robinson: Thank you so much. It’s been an incredible run, and I’m thrilled to have made history again.
Archyde News: You certainly dominated the course. From the first run, it was clear you were on a mission. what was your mindset going into this race?
Alice Robinson: I felt really confident. I’ve been training hard and feeling good on my skis. I knew the course would be challenging, but I was ready for it. my mindset was to just focus on my own skiing, give it my all, and see where that took me.
archyde News: There were some early surprises,with Sarah Hector and Thea Louise Stjernesund facing setbacks. Did that change your strategy at all?
Alice Robinson: It’s always sad to see fellow competitors struggle, but my focus was on my own performance. I knew I had toCapitalise on any opportunities that came my way, and that’s what I aimed to do.
Archyde News: Federica Brignone put up a strong fight in the second run. What was it like having her breathing down your neck?
Alice Robinson: Federica’s an incredible skier, and I always expect a tough fight from her. It pushed me to really fight for my lead, to ski with everything I had.It was nerve-wracking, but also incredibly motivating.
Archyde News: You’ve now joined an elite group of female ski racers with four or more World Cup wins. How does that feel?
Alice Robinson: It’s Pretty surreal, to be honest. I’m still processing it all. To be mentioned in the same breath as many of my childhood idols is just amazing. It’s a lot of pressure, but also a huge motivation to keep working hard and pushing my limits.
Archyde News: Speaking of working hard, you’ve had some fantastic results this season. What do you think has contributed to this success?
Alice Robinson: My team’s support has been incredible. We’ve worked really well together, finding the right setup for my skis, refining my technique, and managing my recovery. I also can’t understate the importance of mental strength, which I’ve been working to build.
Archyde News: What’s next for Alice Robinson?
Alice Robinson: I’ll take some time to rest and recover, reflect on this season, and start preparing for the next one. I want to build on this success, keep improving, and see where my skiing takes me.
Archyde News: Best of luck, Alice. We’ll be watching your progress with great interest.
Alice Robinson: Thank you. I appreciate the support.
