Croatian ski star Zrinka Ljutic has made waves on the slopes by clinching her second consecutive World Cup slalom victory, solidifying her position at the top of the standings following her triumph at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, on January 5, 2025. The 20-year-old skier, who first captured headlines with her initial win at Semmering, Austria, just one week prior, displayed outstanding skill and determination to secure her latest win.
Ljutic finished the Kranjska Gora event with remarkable poise, tying for the fastest time with Swiss competitor Wendy Holdener during the opening run before edging past her competitor by 0.16 seconds in the second run. “I didn’t focus on Wendy’s performance. I had my own plan and concentrated on my skiing. I set the tempo for my run, and I really aimed to stick to my vision, which paid off this time. I couldn’t be happier!” Ljutic stated, reflecting her assured mindset heading down the challenging course.
The competition remained fierce; Swedish skier Anna Swenn-Larsson came in third, trailing Ljutic by 1.19 seconds. This victory propelled Ljutic to lead the slalom standings with 309 points, overtaking former leader Camille Rast—who came fourth—by 4 points. Rast, continuing her impressive season, ensured she has placed within the top five of each event this year.
Interestingly, Ljutic's ascent to the top of the leaderboard coincided with reigning champion Mikaela Shiffrin’s absence due to injury. Shiffrin sustained significant damage during her crash at the previous giant slalom event, forcing her to undergo abdominal surgery, which has sidelined her from competition. Ljutic’s rise presents her with unique opportunities, as she now leads the overall standings with 456 points, nine points clear of Sweden’s Sara Hector, who finished sixth after winning the giant slalom just the day before.
Taking time to absorb the excitement of her achievements, Ljutic, who will turn 21 later this month, expressed how her earlier success provided the fuel for her Kranjska Gora race. “After winning in Semmering, I felt an incredible drive and the desire to repeat,” she reflected. Ljutic noted the importance of maintaining focus on her technique throughout the race. “While I was eager for the win, I knew I had to focus on my technique to make it happen, and I’m just grateful it did.”
The American contingent faced challenges on the slopes, with Katie Hensien finishing as the highest-placed American skier, securing the 12th position under the shadow of Shiffrin's absence. The competitive standings reveal how Ljutic has thrived during this period, and the current race dynamics could redefine the season as athletes aim to capitalize on the shifting circumstances.
With each race, Ljutic not only showcases her potential but also continues to inspire as she navigates the expectations and pressures of the World Cup circuit. Her focus on performance and the mentality she carries has become evident as she pushes the boundaries of her skiing capabilities.
Fans and experts alike are eager to see how Ljutic will continue to perform as she prepares for upcoming challenges. With her birthday approaching and her recent successes under her belt, it is certainly shaping up to be a memorable month for this rising star. If her drive and determination remain steadfast, there’s no telling how far she can go by the season’s conclusion.