These days, the American ski racing standout has been thinking a lot about her father, Jeff Shiffrin. He died five years ago in a home accident. Her father helped nurture her love of skiing. He offered tips and suggestions, usually taking in her races off to the side and with a camera dangling from a strap around his neck.

Mikaela Shiffrin was standing at the start gate before the second run of Thursday’s final World Cup race of the season. The American Alpine skiing great had a strong lead after the first run, but still,