“We Belong”: Hensien, O’Brien Shine in Sölden with Career Bests

In the opening FIS Ski Alpine World Cup in Sölden, Austria, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team's alpine women came to play, throwing four women into the top 11 - a feat that has not been achieved in U.S. women's history since four women were in the top ten on March 17, 1985. The result sheet led with Katie Hensien just shy of a podium in fourth, Mikaela Shiffrin fifth, Nina O’Brien seventh and Paula Moltzan 11th. 

The excitement was in the air from the first run as all five starters put their best foot forward in the race. Mikaela Shiffrin, the winningest alpine skier of all time with 97 World Cup wins under her belt, set the pace, running first and staying there the remainder of the run. Teammate Paula Moltzan also skied well, with a minor mistake to land in the top 10 after the first run. The women could not be stopped as the long-anticipated return of Nina O’Brien and Katie Hensien skied into 17th and 21st position, an excellent place going into the second run. Keely Cashman made her return to the tech venue but did not finish first run. 

“I felt solid in my skiing. I am ok with it, but the first run is always tough to see what's happening, so for the second run, I need to be on top of it,” said Shiffrin. “I felt really good with my skiing technically.” 

The conditions were a bit warmer, with light rain and wind up on top of the track. The snow was softer than a typical World Cup course, making it a great opportunity to stand on the ski with confidence. Running toward the beginning of the second run, O’Brien and Hensien made a statement. First, O’Brien knifed a high-speed run to take the lead. Hensien followed suit with an aggressive show to win the second run. With conditions deteriorating and the light coming in and out, Shiffrin skied well on the bumpy second run track to land fifth, with Moltzan closing out the historic day for the women in 11th. 

Skier after skier came down and could not hold a candle to Hensien or O’Brien. The duo moved up over ten spots from run one. Hensien was a mere .03 seconds out of a podium finish and O’Brien had a career-best seventh-place finish, 

“First race back, first time ever racing on this hill. I couldn't have asked for a better day,” beamed Hensien in the finish.  “It's really good to be able to trust my body again. I trusted my skiing today and went for it and I am so happy."

The joy and smiles from the U.S. team were palpable as Hensien and O’Brien were greeted in the best way back to the World Cup and proving that their hard work, dedication and perseverance in coming back from injury had paid off. Not only were they congratulated by their team, but countless international competitors made their way to the duo to hug them and share in the happiness of the incredible comeback race. 

“I am running on adrenaline but I am so happy to be here. I felt really free in the start gate and that's all I needed for today,” said O’Brien. “I could tell that my skiing was coming along in training, but you never know where you stack up when you get here, so I am proud of it, and I am happy.”

O’Brien suffered a leg injury in the Beijing Olympics on her second giant slalom in 2022, rehabbing for the 2022-23 season. She fractured her leg again while training last summer, missing the 2023-24 season. To come back this strong after two years of work is a moment she won’t forget. 

“It means everything to me. Katie and I both missed last season and we were really there for each other in the rehab so this is amazing.”

The top phrases of the day started with “How did this happen?” to a positive “We are back, and we belong” from Hensien and O’Brien. Announcers in the Sölden stadium applauded the American women, claiming that the team “is on fire.” 

“My teammates were incredible today, so overall, it was a really strong day for the North Americans. I am excited to watch their runs!” said Shiffrin. 

After a fiery start to the season, the women feel confident and ready to attack the next World Cup race in Levi, Finland on Nov. 16 for a slalom. The Stifel U.S. Ski Team men's alpine athletes will get their chance on the same track tomorrow. Watch LIVE and on-demand on Peacock. 

RESULTS
Giant Slalom

HOW TO WATCH
5:00 a.m. ET - men's giant slalom, run 1, Sölden, Austria - Peacock (live)
8:00 a.m. ET - men's giant slalom, run 2, Sölden, Austria - Peacock (live)