ZRINKA LJUTIC WINS BACK-TO-BACK TITLES IN KRANJSKA GORA SLALOM
Croatian star secures her place at the top of the 2024/25 FIS World Cup standings with thrilling performance.
On January 5, 2025, Zrinka Ljutic solidified her status as one of alpine skiing's brightest talents by winning the women's slalom event at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. This victory marks her second consecutive win in the 2024/25 FIS World Cup season, reinforcing her position as the overall leader.
The 20-year-old Ljutic entered the second run tied for the lead with Swiss competitor Wendy Holdener, who led by 0.32 seconds over Camille Rast. The excitement was palpable as Ljutic prepared for her run, knowing the formidable challenge posed by Holdener, who had put down an impressive first run. With only one racer to go before her, Holdener had managed to pull far ahead, expressing the confidence of being the frontrunner.
Yet, what followed was nothing short of sensational. Ljutic, as the penultimate competitor on the slope, delivered a flawless performance, showcasing her remarkable technical skills and fierce determination. She initially pulled ahead on the time splits, and her crisp execution only increased her lead as she crossed the finish line. Ljutic earned her victory with an extraordinary time of 1:39.62, outpacing Holdener by 0.16 seconds, with Anna Swenn-Larsson of Sweden taking the third spot at 1:40.81.
"I felt good. I was trying to push everywhere and the only thing I thought I could do was let go at the finish a bit earlier, but it was enough,” Ljutic remarked, reflecting on her victorious run. Her capacity to remain composed and competitive under pressure has won her not only medals but also the admiration of fans and competitors alike.
With this victory, she not only adds another title to her name but also strengthens her position as the leader of the slalom discipline and the overall standings for the season. Ljutic's rise through the ranks of alpine skiing has been nothing short of remarkable, and her victory at Kranjska Gora signifies her as not just another skier but potentially the future of the sport.
The quest for the crystal globes—the coveted trophies awarded at the end of the skiing season—has just begun, but with two wins already under her belt, Ljutic is firmly planting her flag on the circuit. The technical skills and fierce competitiveness exhibited throughout her runs indicate she is ready to continue her campaign and build on this promising start.
The Kranjska Gora results showed not only how well Ljutic performed but also highlighted the competitive nature of the sport as the top three racers were all within close finish times—a clear indication of the high-level competition present.
The women’s slalom at Kranjska Gora, conducted under challenging weather, tests the athletes' abilities to navigate difficult courses accurately, and Ljutic's performance illustrated her proficiency at overcoming such obstacles. Those watching were treated to heart-stopping moments as each skier attempted to outpace the others on the challenging course.
Ljutic's next goals now can only be imagined as she continues her pursuit for the championships. With the season well underway, all eyes will be on her as she competes for more titles and pursues her dreams on the world stage. Her youth, coupled with her undeniable talent and determination, suggests this is just the beginning of many thrilling performances to come.
The array of talented competitors, including Holdener and Swenn-Larsson, will undoubtedly seek to challenge her dominance as the World Cup progresses. Every race will offer new opportunities and challenges for these athletes and contribute to the dynamic narrative of women's alpine skiing.
Seizing the moment at Kranjska Gora, Ljutic not only carved her name firmly within the ranks of alpine skiing elites but also captured the hearts of fans around the world, as they eagerly follow her endeavors through the rest of the season.