Mikaela Shiffrin wins slalom in World Cup opener

Mikaela Shiffrin won the first slalom race of the 2025-26 World Cup season on Saturday, her record-extending 102nd overall career victory on the circuit.

Shiffrin held a one-second lead after the first run in Levi, Finland, and turned in a flawless second run for the victory.

"It's really important to start with a good mentality, so it was great to start the slalom season with two good runs," Shiffrin, 30, said after the race.

Joining Shiffrin on the podium were 19-year-old Lara Colturi of Albania and Emma Aicher of Germany. It was the first-ever podium finish in a slalom race for Aicher, 22.

American Paula Moltzan was fourth, her first run marred by an error.

"After a challenging first run, I knew I needed to shift into another gear to find a lot of time," Moltzan said. "I am super happy with my skiing second run. I felt like I was able to make some of my best turns."

And she was wowed by Shiffrin.

"Mikaela put on an absolute clinic on how to ski Levi," Moltzan, 31, said. "She continues to impress everyone with her skiing."