Paris, Feb. 6 (U.S.): Leaning on her ski poles and shaking her head, Frederica Brignone thought she had squandered her chance at a gold medal at the women’s combined.
The Italian had just finished the slalom on the opening day of the world championships, but a costly mistake slowed her down before the flat finishing section.
She couldn’t believe that the lead she built earlier in the day in the super G segment of the race would hold. Especially with someone like Michaela Shifrin yet to go down, per the AP.
Minutes later, Brignone screamed and put her hands to her head in disbelief. The defending champion from the United States was running past the penultimate third place when it looked set to beat Brignone’s time.
Wendy Holdener had the fastest slalom time. The two-time world champion from Switzerland rose from 13th after the first run to take the silver medal, 1.62 seconds ahead of Brignone. The bronze went to Austrian Ricarda Haser, who came 2.26 behind.
The Italian also led the combined event at the home world championships two years ago, but she skied early in the slalom.
insignificant