ALPINE SKIING: WOMEN’S GIANT SLALOM

After a silver medal finish in the super giant slalom, Deborah Compagnoni of Italy returns to her specialty, the event she won at Lillehammer in 1994. Katja Seizinger, who already has set a women’s Alpine record with two gold medals in the same Games, is a dark horse to win a third.

THE FAVORITES

Martina Ertl, 24, Germany: Veteran all-around star ended the nine-race winning streak of Italian giant slalom ace Compagnoni. A prime medal pick, particularly in giant slalom and combined.

Compagnoni, 27, Italy: Best giant slalom skiier among the women, the reigning World Cup champion and the 1997 World Championship gold medalist.

Alexandra Meissnitzer, 24, Austria: Fine all-event skier has multiple podium finishes this season. A threat in the giant slalom.

Andrine Flemmen, 23, Norway: Steadiest giant slalom skier other than Compagnoni and Ertl. Norway’s best medal chance.

THE COURSE

Slope

Men: 660 meters

Women: 587 meters

Length

Men: 1,487 meters, 53-66 gates

Women: 1,329 meters, 47-59 gates