Rivalry in sports is often inferred wrongly. Athletes competing with each other aren’t enemies. They are simply on the opposite sides and can have mutual respect for each other, even when their ultimate goal is winning. Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhova are the Achilles and Hector of the FIS Ski World Cup. Even though there was a constant struggle between the two for the world cup standings, they hold great respect for each other.
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The FIS Ski World Cup began with the battle between world number Mikaela Shiffrin and Beijing Olympic gold medalist Petra Vlhova. They both had the same number of world cup points and Petra was a threat for Mikaela’s number one position. However, like a true champion, Mikaela didn’t lose control and emerged victorious in the end.
Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhova training together
While Petra is no longer a threat to Mikaela’s number one position, they both shared a training session before today’s season-ending slalom race. Beyond any rivalry, both these athletes are amongst the top skiers of the world. Their battle for the top will continue as long as they stay in the game. However, what really matters is that it always remains as healthy as it is now.
“Not friendship, but mutual respect keeps the ongoing duel fresh.”
Nice item featuring #Shiffrin vs #Vlhová rivalry on Austrian television #ORF this morning.
(Btw, they trained together Friday for today’s season-ending SL.)@MikaelaShiffrin @PetraVlhova #FISAlpine #Méribel pic.twitter.com/SxobFqcTRz
— Eric Willemsen (@eWilmedia) March 19, 2022
Since the world number position is off the table now for Petra, she would look forward to finishing the remaining two races on a high note.
An Unassailable lead
During the races in Switzerland and Sweden, there was a nail-biting contest going on between Mikaela and Petra. However, as the World Cup reached France, Mikaela Shiffrin changed the stats dramatically. With two back-to-back spectacular performances, including a victory in downhill and the second place in super-G, she turned everything in her favor.
Reuters
Alpine Skiing – FIS Alpine Ski World Cup – Women’s Downhill – Courchevel, France – March 16, 2022 Mikaela Shiffrin of the U.S. celebrates on the podium with trophy after winning the women’s downhill REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
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The last two remaining races in the finals will be a just formality for Mikaela. As she has already won her fourth overall crystal globe. Though it’ll be good to heal the wounds of the Beijing Winter Olympics with every victory that comes her way.
