Nowen Wins Ski Race

Ylva Nowen, who nearly quit her unspectacular skiing career in frustration, has discovered how to win.

The late bloomer from Sweden, who will turn 28 on Jan. 5, won her second straight World Cup slalom race, as world champion Deborah Compagnoni of Italy finished second and Urska Hrovat of Slovenia third.

Nowen never had finished better than fifth in eight previous World Cup seasons.

She credits a talk with a psychologist before the season for her sudden success.

“It’s all a matter of confidence,” Nowen said. “I’ve hardly changed anything in the way I ski.”

Kristina Koznick of the United States matched her best career finish by placing fourth at 1:36.60. She was also fourth at Park City.