Mikaela Shiffrin enters the Olympic slalom as the gold medal favorite after a resilient performance in the giant slalom. The 30-year-old American, who has 108 World Cup wins with 71 in slalom, showed marked improvement despite finishing 11th in Sunday's GS event. Her result marked significant progress following a career-threatening injury last November.

Shiffrin's comeback has been remarkable after suffering a severe abdominal impalement during a World Cup race in Killington, Vermont. The injury left her questioning whether she would ever compete in giant slalom again. Through therapy and a shift in mindset away from results, she has rediscovered her form, earning her first GS podium in January. Her mental recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder proved as challenging as the physical rehabilitation.

Wednesday's slalom represents both an opportunity and pressure for Shiffrin, who has struggled at recent Olympics despite dominating the World Cup circuit. With six wins in seven starts this season and her ninth slalom Crystal Globe already secured, she arrives as the overwhelming favorite. Yet her Olympic history shows the unpredictability of the Games - she hasn't medaled in her past eight Olympic starts despite being a two-time gold medalist. For Shiffrin, handling the pressure differently this time might mean more than just another gold medal.