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Mikaela Shiffrin heads into the Beijing Olympic slalom as many observer’s favourite however her closest challenger, Slovakia’s Petra Vlhova, says she now has the self-belief wanted to finish the American’s dream.
The pair are set to conflict in Monday’s large slalom earlier than their extremely anticipated battle on Wednesday.
Vlhova has gained five-times in slalom on the World Cup circuit this season and has 17 profession victories within the self-discipline however has by no means crushed Shiffrin in a world championship or Olympics slalom.
However Shiffrin, who has dominated in slalom for many of the final decade, has had simply two World Cups within the self-discipline this season having been hampered by catching COVID-19.
SEE MORE: Mikaela Shiffrin concerned by windy conditions in Yanqing
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“For a very long time Mikaela was higher than me,” Vlhova mentioned. “Nevertheless, within the final seasons I confirmed clearly I’m able to beat her typically. We respect one another as a result of we each know very nicely how tough it’s to grow to be the perfect on the planet,” she mentioned.
Shiffrin gained slalom gold in Sochi in 2014 however surprisingly did not make the rostrum 4 years later when Sweden’s Frida Hansdotter pipped Switzerland’s Wendy Holdener to gold.
The 26-year-old Vlhova mentioned she has lastly discovered the precise psychological strategy to the large races.
“I’m now 100% mentally balanced, that was the one factor lacking for me earlier than to grow to be actually the perfect,” she mentioned.
“The season till now has been going very nicely for me, so I’m in an excellent psychological temper and bodily form as nicely, and absolutely centered for the Olympic competitions. I really feel actually sturdy,” she added.
The Slovak has additionally been boosted by high Swiss coach Mauro Pini becoming a member of her crew within the low season.
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Pini had beforehand coached double Olympic gold medal winner Tina Maze of Slovenia and two-time world champion Lara Intestine-Behrami of Switzerland.
“He created an excellent environment, permitting the crew (to) work,” Vlhova mentioned.
“Everyone within the crew is aware of what to do and the co-operation of all of the individuals is nice. Our communication in the whole crew could be very fruitful and there’s a lot of enjoyable amongst us. That is like when a posh puzzle is accomplished.”
Sara Hector of Sweden heads the World Cup large slalom standings forward of France’s Tessa Worley.
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