Despite the struggles, the Norwegian never quit.
“I always believed I was good enough, but the wish was taking over. I was wishing too much. I never found the ability to just let go and relax and ski. I think you get older and realize it is enough now, just use the opportunity. I was lucky to be there and left it all on the table. I went for it and had nothing to lose, it was an amazing feeling,” said Stjernesund.
Valerie Grenier (CAN) was nearly out on multiple turns in her second run, but she pulled together a strong finish to make the podium in third. The Canadian finishes the season with two podiums.
“I just really had to go for it. I made a couple mistakes at the top and was not skiing that well. I just kept thinking about my clean skiing at the bottom and it worked. I am just happy to be on the podium. It is the perfect way to end the season,” said Grenier.
Lara Gut-Behrami (SUI) needed to dig deep to propel herself to a strong finish, and that is exactly what she did on her second run. The Swiss star saw the green light after her stellar second run with five racers to go. However, he was immediately passed with the next skier and finished fourth.
Behrami also took second place in the giant slalom season standings, clinching the spot with the final race.
With the sun starting to peak through the clouds, Marta Bassino (ITA) could not do enough to make another podium this season. Bassino finished sixth and ended up settling for third in the giant slalom standings, dropping from second in the final race.
The 2022 giant slalom champion Tessa Worley (FRA) took the slope for her 255th World Cup start and what may be her final run as she hangs up the skis. The 33-year-old finished 11th. Worley calls it quits after a long-storied career with 36 career World Cup podiums.
Ragnhild Mowinckel (NOR) dramatically improved this season with five podiums across the World Cup and World Championships, including two giant slalom podiums. The Norwegian stayed up for two decent runs to finish ninth in the final race of the season.
Michelle Gisin (SUI) finished her incredible run of competing in every single race this World Cup season. The Swiss workhorse capped her jam-packed season with a 21st place finish.
Shiffrin dominated the season, but many skiers made their names known this season. There will be many gunning for those victories the American hoarded next season.
