Mikaela Shiffrin, the American skiing sensation, has made history by securing her 100th World Cup victory in the slalom event at Sestriere, Italy. This monumental achievement cements her legacy as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time. Here’s a detailed recap of her historic win, the challenges she overcame, and what this means for her career.
A Historic Milestone
Shiffrin’s 100th Win
- Event: Women’s Slalom at Sestriere, Italy
- Time: 1:50.33 (combined)
- Margin of Victory: 0.61 seconds ahead of Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic
- Podium: Paula Moltzan (USA) finished third, just 0.64 seconds behind Shiffrin.
Overcoming Adversity
- Injury Setback: Shiffrin suffered a severe fall in November 2023, which delayed her pursuit of the 100-win milestone.
- Comeback: She returned to competition stronger, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Race Highlights
Dominant Performance
- First Run: Shiffrin built a solid lead, setting the stage for her victory.
- Second Run: She maintained her composure and extended her advantage, finishing with a combined time of 1:50.33.
Emotional Celebration
- Reaction: After crossing the finish line, Shiffrin lay on the snow in disbelief, overwhelmed by the magnitude of her achievement.
- Support: Teammate Paula Moltzan embraced her, highlighting the camaraderie among competitors.
Records and Achievements
Tying Ingemar Stenmark
- 155 Podiums: Shiffrin equaled the all-time record for most World Cup podiums, shared with Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark.
- Efficiency: She achieved this feat in 278 starts, compared to Stenmark’s 284.
Career Highlights
- First Win: Shiffrin’s first World Cup victory came in 2012 at the age of 17.
- Consistency: She has dominated the slalom discipline, winning 59 of her 100 victories in this category.
What’s Next for Shiffrin?
Continued Dominance
- Slalom World Cup Standings: Shiffrin is now 6th with 326 points, despite missing several races due to injury.
- Overall World Cup Standings: She remains a strong contender, aiming to close the gap on leader Federica Brignone (999 points).
Inspiring the Next Generation
- Legacy: Shiffrin’s achievements inspire young skiers worldwide, proving that hard work and perseverance pay off.
Race Results
Top 10 Finishers:
- Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) – 1:50.33
- Zrinka Ljutic (CRO) – +0.61
- Paula Moltzan (USA) – +0.64
- Katharina Liensberger (AUT) – +0.76
- Cornelia Oehlund (SWE) – +0.84
For full results, visit the official FIS Alpine Skiing website.
100th World Cup victory
Mikaela Shiffrin’s 100th World Cup victory is a testament to her skill, resilience, and dedication to the sport. As she continues to break records and inspire millions, her legacy as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time is firmly secured.
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