Sara Hector Leads After First Slalom Run Amid Broadcast Issues in Semmering

Swedish skier Sara Hector took a commanding lead after the first run of the slalom race in Semmering, Austria, demonstrating strong form ahead of the second run scheduled for 13:00. Hector, 33, started fourth and clocked the fastest time, finishing six hundredths of a second ahead of her closest rivals. This continued her momentum following a recent podium finish in Canada.

However, viewers watching the race on Viaplay were left frustrated as the broadcast lacked timing graphics during Hector's run, preventing them from seeing her time live. Commentator Janne Blomqvist apologized for the issue, explaining, "We apologize for the absence of the clock on screen; it is a production issue we cannot control." The iconic green sign indicating Hector's leading position was also missing during the broadcast.

Despite the technical difficulties, expert Emil Johansson praised Hector's performance as a "real fighting run." Alice Robinson, one of the race favorites who started sixth, suffered a crash and did not finish her run; by then, the timing display had been restored for viewers. Close contenders Julia Scheib from Austria and Lara Colturi from Albania trailed Hector by mere fractions — Scheib by 0.02 seconds and Colturi by 0.13 seconds.

The slalom competition in Semmering remains wide open as the skiers prepare for the decisive second run this afternoon.