Raedler and Huber of Austria win team combined ski race at Olympics, Shiffrin places 4th

Austrian skiers Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber secured the gold medal in the debut Olympic team combined event at the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Tuesday, capitalizing on a significant error by American star Mikaela Shiffrin. The competition, which features a collaborative effort between downhill and slalom specialists, saw the Austrian duo deliver a flawless performance to climb the podium. The victory marks a historic moment for Austria, further cementing their dominance in alpine skiing during the first official appearance of this specific team format on the Olympic stage. The event took a dramatic turn during the final slalom leg as the United States team, which had been the heavy favorite for the title, saw their lead vanish. American Breezy Johnson had previously provided her team with a substantial advantage following a blistering performance in the downhill run, placing the U.S. in prime position for the gold. However, the pressure shifted to her teammate Mikaela Shiffrin, one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, who was tasked with defending that lead during the technical slalom portion of the race. In a result that stunned spectators and analysts alike, Shiffrin struggled during her run and ultimately crossed the finish line in fourth place, leaving the American team without a medal in the event. The unexpected lapse allowed the Austrians to surge ahead, while other competitors also managed to overtake the struggling U.S. pair. This outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of the new team combined format, where the collective performance of both a speed and a technical specialist determines the final ranking, often leading to high-stakes upsets in the final seconds of the race.