Returning Mikaela Shiffrin buoyant after ’miraculous’ fifth in slalom

• American star takes fifth place in slalom at worlds
• Swiss skiers Rast and Holdener win gold and silver

All that talk about a record-breaking 16th medal. And extending her perfect run of six medals in six career slalom races at the world championships.

Mikaela Shiffrin's array of international fans who gathered in the Austrian Alps may have entertained the thought of witnessing those achievements when the American stood third after the opening run Saturday, waving American flags and holding up signs dedicated to the most successful skier of all time.