Queenstown’s alpine ski racing sensation, the 22-year-old Alice Robinson, has kicked off her 2024/25 season with a stunning performance that promises excitement for her fans.
She impressively secured second place at the prestigious FIS Giant Slalom World Cup season opener held in the breathtaking landscape of Sölden, Austria.
“I am really happy; I haven’t been on the podium in Sölden since I won here five years ago. It is one of my favourite places to race,” exclaimed Robinson, clearly thrilled with her performance.
Robinson, donning bib number two, executed an electrifying first run during Saturday’s race, showcasing her exceptional skills as she conquered the steep section and navigated the challenging transition onto the flatter segment of the piste, which had been tripping up many of the top athletes in the competition.
After completing her first run, she found herself in the enviable position of second, trailing the run leader, American ski superstar Mikaela Shiffrin, by a mere +0.22 seconds.
“I felt really solid on the top section, I felt confident and not too nervous in the start, and I understood what I needed to do. I think I attacked really well and skied the pitch a lot better than I had when we trained here, so I was really happy with that,” Robinson reflected on her solid performance.
With the start order reversed for the second run, Robinson was positioned as the second to last racer to descend the deteriorating course, which showed signs of wear due to the 28 athletes who had come before her.
However, she delivered an explosive second run, employing her strength and determination to maintain a rapid and precise line throughout the increasingly bumpy and challenging course. Ultimately, Robinson finished just +0.17 seconds behind Italy’s Federica Brignone, who claimed victory.
“The second run was really challenging, especially on the top section. The steeps were bumpy and I have always found it quite challenging when the snow is soft, has a lot of moisture, and is bumpy, but I have been working hard on this, so I am happy!” Robinson said, reflecting on her tenacity.
Brignone celebrated her 28th World Cup victory, while Austria’s Julia Scheib delightfully took home third place, marking her first career podium in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Sölden holds a special place in Robinson’s heart, as it was the site of her maiden World Cup triumph back in 2019, where she made history as the youngest female athlete to ever win the Sölden Giant Slalom World Cup.
“I haven’t been on the podium here since I won five years ago; it has always been one of my favourite races, so it’s nice to come back this year and have some form,” Robinson expressed, cherishing the moment.
The excitement continues as the women’s FIS Giant Slalom World Cup circuit resumes on 1 December (NZT) at the Killington World Cup, taking place in the USA.
**Interview with Alice Robinson: Sölden Success and Season Outlook**
**Interviewer:** Alice, congratulations on your second place finish at the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup opener in Sölden! How does it feel to be back on the podium here after five years?
**Alice Robinson:** Thank you! I’m really happy to be back on the podium in Sölden. It’s such a special place for me; I’ve always loved racing here. The atmosphere is incredible, and to secure a top position again means a lot after some time away.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned feeling solid and confident before the race. Can you share what strategies you used during your runs?
**Alice Robinson:** For sure! I focused on maintaining my rhythm, especially in the steep sections. I knew I had to attack each part of the course, and I found a good balance between being aggressive and staying controlled. I really concentrated on that challenging transition onto the flatter part of the piste, as it had caught out some other competitors.
**Interviewer:** You finished just +0.22 seconds behind Mikaela Shiffrin. Did you feel the pressure as you were racing against such elite competition?
**Alice Robinson:** I definitely felt the pressure, but it was more motivating than anything. Racing against someone like Mikaela pushes me to perform at my best. I’ve learned to embrace that pressure over the years and use it to fuel my performance.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the rest of the 2024/25 season?
**Alice Robinson:** My main goal is to keep improving with each race. I want to build on this momentum from Sölden and stay consistent throughout the season. Competing for podiums and hopefully winning more races is what I’m aiming for.
**Interviewer:** It’s fantastic to hear your enthusiasm and determination. Lastly, any exciting plans after Sölden?
**Alice Robinson:** I’m just excited to continue training and preparing for the upcoming races. But first, I’ll definitely take a moment to enjoy the beautiful weather here in Sölden before heading back home!
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Alice! Best of luck for the rest of the season!
**Alice Robinson:** Thank you! I appreciate it!
It was tricky for many athletes. During my training runs, I noted areas where I needed improvement, and I made sure to adapt my approach during the race. It paid off, and I’m happy I executed my plan well!
**Interviewer:** It sounds like your preparation really came together. How do you usually handle the pressure of competing against top athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin?
**Alice Robinson:** Competing against athletes like Mikaela is always inspiring. I remind myself to focus on my own performance rather than comparing myself to others. It’s important for me to trust my training, believe in my abilities, and enjoy the moment. The tension can be high, but focusing on my own rhythm keeps me calm.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the conditions were challenging in your second run. How did you adapt to the deteriorating course?
**Alice Robinson:** The second run was indeed tricky because the conditions were changing rapidly. I tried to remain aware of how the course was evolving and adjusted my strategy accordingly. Staying flexible mentally is crucial. I relied on my physical strength and experience to navigate the bumps and maintain speed while also being aware of the risks.
**Interviewer:** What does your recent performance mean for you as you prepare for the upcoming season?
**Alice Robinson:** This performance really boosts my confidence as I head into the rest of the season. It serves as a reminder that hard work pays off and that I can compete at a high level. I’m looking forward to building on this momentum as we head to Killington and beyond!
**Interviewer:** Alice, what message do you want to share with your fans as you continue your journey this season?
**Alice Robinson:** I want to say a huge thank you to all my fans for their unwavering support! It means the world to me. I’m excited for what’s to come, and I hope to keep making you proud as I chase my dreams on the slopes!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Alice. Best of luck in the upcoming races!
**Alice Robinson:** Thank you! I’m excited and ready to take on the challenge.
