Winter Olympics preview: Slalom

Object Of The Game

Get down the hill fast, but be sure to go through the gates that are spaced much, much, much closer together than in the Downhill, Super G or Giant Slalom. Skiers must ensure that their skis and boots go around each gate, while hinged poles allow competitors to take a direct path down the course. The skier’s upper body can remain pointed downhill, as they allow their shin guards to knock into the flexible gates. This technique is called cross-blocking.

Details

• 102 male competitors; 87 female competitors.

• Two runs on different courses, combined time.

Schedule

All times EST.

Most Likely Podium (Men)

1. Marcel Hirscher (Austria): The winner of the 2013 World Championship slalom event, Hirscher has finished first in the World Cup standings in each of the past two seasons.

2. Felix Neureuther (Germany): It seems as though Neureuther is always playing second fiddle to Hirscher, and there isn’t a lot of evidence to suggest things will be any different in Sochi.

3. Andre Myhrer (Sweden): The 2010 Olympic bronze medalist in slalom, Myhrer also won a silver at the 2013 World Championships in the team event.

Most Likely Podium (Women)

1. Mikaela Shiffrin (United States): Resistance is futile, we will all eventually fall in love with the 2013 World Champion in slalom.

2. Marlies Schild (Austria): A three-time Olympic medalist (twice in this event), Schild also won gold at the 2011 World Championships.

3. Tina Maze (Slovenia): A silver medalist at the 2013 World Championships in giant slalom, Maze finished first overall in 2013 World Cup Standings. Speed. Skill. She’s good at pretty much everything she does.

2013 FIS World Championships (Men)

1. Marcel Hirscher (Austria)

2. Felix Neureuther (Germany)

3. Mario Matt (Austria)

2013 FIS World Championships (Women)

1. Mikaela Shiffrin (United States)

2. Michaela Kirchgasser (Austria)

3. Frida Hansdotter (Sweden)

2010 Winter Olympics Podium (Men)

1. Guiliano Razzoli (Italy)

2. Ivica Kostelic (Croatia)

3. Andre Myhrer (Sweden)

2010 Winter Olympics Podium (Women)

1. Maria Reisch (Germany)

2. Marlies Schild (Austria)

3. Sarka Zahrobska (Czech Republic)