Dominating.
It’s really the only word to describe Mikaela Shiffrin’s performance in the slalom race at the Xfinity Killington Cup.
She won it by more than 1.5 seconds.
Sounds like nothing, but it’s like the Patriots winning by three touchdowns.
It wasn’t close on the scoreboard, but let’s be clear: Ski racing isn’t like football.
At least in football there is a chance to make up for a mistake.
One mistake in ski racing, and it’s over.
Another word for Shiffrin’s day: emotional.
She shared her win with her 96-year old Nana.
“She’s more famous than me,” Shiffrin said afterward.
Right before taking the podium, Shiffrin went over to her grandmother and gave her a ski pole.
“I don’t know how to explain it. It’s unbelievable,” aid Shiffrin, who added that it was only the second time her Nana saw her race live.
“She’s like the most unbelievable person anyone will ever meet. She’s absolutely an angel,” said Shiffrin, pausing and welling up with tears. “It’s really cool to be with her.”
Shiffrin’s 26th World Cup slalom win was also pretty coo for her because it was basically on home soul. New England claims her as a local as Shiffrin spent some middle and high school years in Vermont.
“I could hear everyone so loud at the start. And they just carried me to the finish,” she said. “It’s so fun to ski when you know everyone is supporting you whether you win or lose or crash as long as you put in an effort.”
And what an effort it was as the 16,000 fans went home more than happy. They went home watching a young woman skiing like she’s superhuman ... and then showing how human she really is.
