Lena Dürr Secures Historic Silver as Slalom Drama Unfolds at 2026 Winter Olympics
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, 18 February 2026 — Germany’s premier technical specialist, Lena Dürr, has cemented her legacy on the Olympic stage this week, following a sensational silver medal performance in the Giant Slalom and a high-stakes opening run in today’s Slalom event. At 34, the Munich-born racer is proving to be the most consistent threat to the established order, challenging the dominance of Mikaela Shiffrin in the final chapters of her illustrious career.
Olympic Glory in Cortina: A Silver Milestone
Just two days ago, on 16 February 2026, Dürr delivered the performance of a lifetime at the Olimpia delle Tofane. Starting 16th in the first run of the Women’s Giant Slalom, she navigated the gleaming Italian ice to slot into second place, trailing only the local favourite Federica Brignone. Dürr maintained her composure through the second leg to secure the Olympic silver medal, finishing just 0.34 seconds behind Brignone and ahead of Italy’s Sofia Goggia.
The result marked a significant breakthrough for Dürr, who has long been regarded as a Slalom specialist. By conquering the Giant Slalom podium, she has silenced critics regarding her multi-discipline capabilities and provided the German Alpine team with its most significant highlight of the 2026 Games thus far.
Current Standings: The Slalom Showdown
The action has shifted immediately to Dürr’s signature discipline. In the first run of the Women’s Slalom held earlier today, 18 February, Dürr once again proved her mettle. While American superstar Mikaela Shiffrin has jumped out to a commanding lead with a time of 47.13 seconds, Lena Dürr currently sits in the silver medal position.
Slalom First Run Top 3 (Live Updates)
- 1. Mikaela Shiffrin (USA): 47.13s
- 2. Lena Dürr (GER): +0.82s
- 3. Cornelia Oehlund (SWE): +1.00s
With the second run scheduled for later this afternoon, Dürr is in a prime position to claim her second medal of these Olympic Games, potentially becoming one of Germany’s most decorated alpine skiers in a single Olympiad.
The Journey of a Veteran: From 2008 to 2026
Lena Dürr’s ascent to the Olympic podium has been a marathon, not a sprint. Born on 4 August 1991, she represents the SV Germering club and has been a fixture on the World Cup circuit for nearly two decades. Her debut in February 2008 marked the beginning of a career defined by resilience.
Her first World Cup victory came in 2013 during a parallel slalom event, which also served as her maiden podium. However, it was her victory in Špindlerův Mlýn on 29 January 2023—where she edged out Mikaela Shiffrin—that re-established her as a world-class contender in traditional Slalom. Prior to her current Olympic success, her most recent World Cup result was a 21st-place finish in the Kronplatz Giant Slalom during the 2025/26 season, a result she has now vastly improved upon on the biggest stage of all.
Career Statistics and Achievements
| Event/Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lena Dürr |
| Birthdate | 4 August 1991 |
| World Cup Debut | February 2008 |
| World Cup Wins | 2 (Parallel Slalom 2013, Slalom 2023) |
| Olympic Medals | Silver (Giant Slalom, Cortina 2026) |
| FIS Code | 206355 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Olympic medals does Lena Dürr have?
As of 18 February 2026, Lena Dürr has won one Olympic silver medal, achieved in the Giant Slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo. She is currently in contention for a second medal in the Slalom event.
When was Lena Dürr’s first World Cup win?
Her first World Cup victory occurred in 2013 in a parallel slalom event. This was also her first time reaching a World Cup podium.
What is Lena Dürr’s age?
Born in August 1991, Lena Dürr is currently 34 years old.
Which club does Lena Dürr represent?
She competes for SV Germering and has been a long-standing member of the German national alpine ski team.