"I'm very sad for Mikaela Shiffrin" - Sara Hector reacts to American's ugly crash after winning World Cup race in Killington

Reigning Olympic champion Sara Hector was gutted after alpine skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin crashed out of the bounds during her second and final run at the Killington World Cup. The Swedish skier eventually won the race, posting a time of 1:53.08.

Shiffrin was at her relentless best in the first, posting a blistering time of 55.78s while Hector was behind in second in 55.46s. The Swede went first during the second run and posted a time of 57.62s for the lead. Shiffrin, meanwhile was very close to touching the line and likely registering the historic 100th World Cup when she crashed out of bounds.

The American didn't finish her race and is currently being evaluated after being carted off on a sled. Hector's combined time of 1:53.08 proved enough to win and secure her first World Cup victory of the season as Croatia's Zrinka Ljutic and Switzerland's Camille Rast took the other two podium positions.

The 32-year-old was gutted for Shiffrin following the race and hoped for her speedy recovery. Speaking with reporters following her victory, the 2022 Beijing Olympics champion said (WataugaDemocrat.com):

"I'm very happy, after going through a difficult period. Obviously, I'm very sad for Mikaela Shiffrin who was skiing so well."

Shiffrin was leading Hector in the combined time after the second sector of her second run before crashing into the fence. Hector watched the American fall and was devasted to see her not finishing her run.

"I saw her fall. My heart goes out to her," she added.

As per Noah Cierzen of MyNBC5, the Swedish skier also hoped for the American's speedy recovery and praised her for what she means to the sport.

---

US Ski and Snowboard Team shares positive news about Mikaela Shiffrin's health

Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Mikaela Shiffrin during Women's Giant Slalom - (Source: Getty)

Mikaela Shiffrin stayed down for several minutes after crashing and getting entangled in the fence. The two-time Olympic champion needed help getting herself up before being carted off on a sled, per US Ski and Snowboard team.

The official X handle of the team also shared a positive note about Shiffrin's condition, claiming that she had asked about her splits of the second while being untangled from the net.

"Mikaela took the sled down and is currently being evaluated. More info to come, but take solace in the fact that she asked about her splits," they wrote

The 29-year-old started her season with a fifth-place finish in Sölden, Austria before registering her 98th victory in Levi, Finland. She returned to Austria to record her 99th win at Gurgl slalom and was vying for the iconic 100th victory in Killington before falling short at the last moment.