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and six smiling faces on the podium
The premiere of the Women's Team Combination event brought pure excitement and showcased the athletes' versatility in a completely new way. The competition, which combines both downhill and slalom, offered the spectators a thrilling spectacle unlike anything seen before. For the teammates, however, this event was an incredibly nerve-wracking experience.
Gold went to the two U.S. athletes, Mikaela Shiffrin and downhill world champion Breezy Johnson. Shiffrin, who impressed with her versatility in slalom, and Johnson, who fully utilized her strength in downhill, secured the world championship title together as a team. For Johnson, it was her second gold medal at these World Championships – a true highlight in her career.
"A lot of it is about who you share this victory with. You also have a certain responsibility for the other person. I want to be good - for my teammate." - Breezy Johnson
Shiffrin also expressed satisfaction with her performance, sending a positive signal for the second event of the championships. Her first medal at the World Championships in Saalbach could be the start of a successful title chase in the slalom on 15 FEB.
"I've been very emotional all day. It was kind of crazy to withdraw from the giant slalom and then race the slalom." - Mikaela Shiffrin
One of the day’s absolute highlights was the incredible comeback by Wendy Holdener, who, after a not-so-optimal downhill run of Lara Gut-Behrami, gave it her all and fought her way back to claim second place with an amazing performance.
Alongside the two top teams, the Austrian combination of Super-G world champion Stephanie Venier and technician Katharina Truppe also stood on the podium. The Austrian team secured the bronze medal and, along with the other four athletes, won the hearts of the spectators.
The Team Combination event at the 2025 World Championships was a resounding success, demonstrating that this new discipline has great potential for the future of alpine skiing – especially for major events. The athletes impressed with a mix of strategy, precision, and pure perseverance. It was a competition that highlighted the versatility of the sport, while also promoting teamwork, and undoubtedly made many hearts race. A perfect debut for the Team Combination event, which will surely become one of the highlights of future World Championships.
