KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia (AP) — From Olympic despair in a course-side forest to a joyous win in the World Cup.
Atle Lie McGrath ’s emotions came full circle Sunday when he protected his first-run lead to win a tough and sun-baked World Cup slalom by just 0.01 seconds.
“Today is just about luck,” McGrath said after winning the first men’s slalom since his emotional exit at the Milan Cortina Olympics three weeks ago when he skied out of the race he was set to win.
Then, the Norwegian racer famously hiked across the mountain side to cool off alone beneath the trees lining the course in Bormio, Italy.
On Sunday, McGrath was greeted in the finish area by his teammate Henrik Kristoffersen, runner-up by the minimum margin, and his childhood friend Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, who was third by just 0.04 one day after winning a giant slalom.
At the Olympics, McGrath's slalom misstep ensured Kristoffersen got the bronze medal, and Pinheiro Braathen won the giant slalom for Brazil.
McGrath’s emotions were heightened at the Olympics because his grandfather had died in the week the games opened. He dedicated this victory to him.
“To bounce back like this after the Olympics, I think he has something to do with it. He was looking over me today,” the Vermont-born racer said. “I love him so much and he has helped me with so many things in life.”
McGrath also extended his lead in the season-long slalom standings over Pinheiro Braathen to 41 points ahead of a decisive race on March 24 at the course where they raced as kids in Norway.
“Me and Lucas we grew up skiing together in Hafjell,” McGrath said. “So it has a lot of special memories and it’s going to be a pretty cool fight.”
Source: WPLG
