McGrath Leads Slalom First Run in Kranjska Gora

KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia Norwegian skier Atle Lie McGrath posted the fastest time in the first run of the men's World Cup slalom on Sunday, marking his return to the discipline three weeks after an emotional disqualification in the Olympic event where he appeared poised for victory.

McGrath, competing in his first slalom since failing to finish the second run at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in Bormio, Italy, on February 16, finished 0.17 seconds ahead of Brazil's Lucas Pinheiro Braathen. The two childhood friends from Norway are locked in a tight battle for the season-long World Cup slalom title, with McGrath holding a one-point lead entering the weekend. The final race to decide the standings is set for March 24 in Hafjell, Norway. Belgium's Armand Marchant placed third, 0.55 seconds behind McGrath, while France's Clément Noël, the 2022 Olympic slalom champion, sat seventh, trailing by 0.78 seconds ahead of the afternoon's second run.

McGrath's performance came amid poignant reminders of his Olympic heartbreak. As he prepared at the start gate, the World Cup broadcast displayed footage of a quiet forest spot near the Bormio course, where he had retreated alone to compose himself...