SESTRIERE, Italy — Mikaela Shiffrin has solidified her place as one of the greatest skiers in history, securing her record-breaking 100th career World Cup race victory. The American skiing sensation achieved this milestone on Sunday, overcoming months of challenges following a serious crash last November.
Returning to her dominant slalom event, Shiffrin maintained her first-run lead and crossed the finish line 0.61 seconds ahead of Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic. Her U.S. teammate, Paula Moltzan, claimed third place, making it a memorable day for Team USA.
A Historic Feat in Skiing
With this latest win, Shiffrin not only extended her record for the most career World Cup victories but also tied a long-standing podium record. Her 155th career podium finish now matches the legendary Swedish skier Ingemar Stenmark, a benchmark that had remained untouched for decades.
After completing the race, Shiffrin paused in disbelief as she looked up at the scoreboard. Overwhelmed with emotion, she dropped to the snow, covering her helmet with her right hand. Moltzan soon lifted her to her feet, embracing her in celebration.
Overcoming Adversity
Shiffrin’s journey to this moment was not without setbacks. Her 99th win came exactly three months ago in a slalom event at Gurgl, Austria. The highly anticipated 100th victory was nearly within reach a week later at Killington, Vermont. However, a high-speed crash in a giant slalom race derailed her plans.
The crash resulted in severe oblique muscle trauma and a deep puncture wound, forcing Shiffrin to take a lengthy break from competition. The psychological impact of the accident also lingered, leading to what she described as “PTSD-like” anxiety when returning to giant slalom events.
Her comeback at Sestriere started with difficulties. She placed 25th in Friday’s giant slalom and, on Saturday, failed to qualify among the top 30 racers in the first run for the first time since 2012. However, she proved her resilience on Sunday, reclaiming her dominance in slalom.
Breaking Records, Defining Legacy
Shiffrin and Stenmark now share the record for most career podium finishes in World Cup history. Her dominance has been unmatched, surpassing Stenmark’s previous record of 86 wins in March 2023, nearly 34 years after his last victory. Notably, Stenmark’s final career podium also occurred in the United States, at Aspen, Colorado, in February 1989.
With her 100th victory now secured, Shiffrin remains focused on the future. “Everyone has been so nice and so supportive. I am so grateful, thank you,” she said, holding back tears during a post-race interview.
What’s Next for Shiffrin?
As the season continues, Shiffrin aims to extend her record and further establish her legacy in skiing. With a combination of skill, resilience, and an unwavering drive for excellence, she continues to inspire athletes around the world.
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