Mikaela Shiffrin has once again etched her name into the history books, securing her record-extending 100th career Alpine skiing World Cup victory. This remarkable achievement places her among an elite group of athletes across all winter sports who have surpassed the triple-digit win mark. Her latest triumph, a slalom race in Sestriere, Italy, saw her edge out Croatian Zrinka Ljutic by 61 hundredths of a second, with fellow American Paula Moltzan securing third place.
As she crossed the finish line, Shiffrin glanced repeatedly at the scoreboard before dropping onto the snow in sheer relief and disbelief. Moltzan rushed over, helping her up before embracing her in a heartfelt hug. The moment was a powerful testament to Shiffrin's resilience and the support of her peers.
The Road to 100: A Story of Perseverance
Shiffrin’s journey to this milestone hasn’t been without its challenges. Just a few months ago, in a race on November 30, she suffered a serious crash while leading in a giant slalom event. The accident resulted in a puncture wound that tore her oblique muscles, coming dangerously close to damaging her internal organs. What was supposed to be her 100th win that day turned into a grueling recovery process, forcing her to miss two months of competition.
She made her comeback on January 30, finishing 10th and 5th in her first two slalom races. At the World Championships, she opted out of the giant slalom event, citing mental obstacles stemming from her crash. Her return to GS racing in Sestriere was rocky, finishing 25th on Friday and failing to qualify for the second run on Saturday for the first time since she was 17 years old. Yet, despite these setbacks, she remained determined, shifting her focus to slalom training.
And then came Sunday. In a thrilling display of skill and determination, she clocked the fastest opening slalom run, narrowly ahead of Ljutic. With the final start position in the second run on deteriorating snow conditions, she managed to hold her lead and seal the victory.
A Celebration Bigger Than Skiing
Following the race, a video montage showcased some of Shiffrin’s most iconic moments—celebrations, interviews, and unforgettable victories. An interviewer, reflecting on her tumultuous past few months, simply stated, “After all you’ve been through… 100 World Cup victories.” Overcome with emotion, Shiffrin, through tears, expressed her gratitude:
“Everybody’s been so nice and so supportive. All of my teammates, competitors, and coaches—everyone in the World Cup circuit. I’m so grateful. Thank you, and to the fans, thank you so much.”
Beyond her personal achievement, Shiffrin is using this moment to give back. She has partnered with the Share Winter Foundation, pledging to raise $100,000 to fund ski and snowboard programs for underprivileged youth.
“I know that not everyone has had the opportunities I’ve been lucky to have,” Shiffrin said. “Winter sports are not accessible to everyone, and that has led to a lack of diversity in our community. This 100th victory is a platform to bring more attention to that issue.”
Historic Company in the Record Books
Shiffrin’s feat places her in the rare company of the most decorated athletes in winter sports history. Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjørgen holds the record with 114 World Cup victories, while Swiss skier Conny Kissling won 106 times in the 1980s and early 1990s across multiple disciplines. Meanwhile, Swiss telemark skier Amelie Wagner-Reymond boasts an astonishing 164 wins in a sport that is not part of the Olympic Games.
With her 100th victory secured before turning 30 on March 13, Shiffrin continues to dominate the sport. She has claimed 63 World Cup slalom victories—28 more than any other woman in history—and holds the record for the most giant slalom wins in women’s World Cup history with 22.
What’s Next?
The Alpine skiing World Cup circuit rolls on, with the next set of races taking place in Kvitfjell, Norway. Shiffrin will undoubtedly be looking to build on her success, aiming for yet another podium finish.
For now, she can savor this monumental moment—100 World Cup wins, a milestone that speaks to her talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the sport she loves. And perhaps more importantly, she is using this victory to leave a lasting impact beyond skiing, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to experience the sport that has defined her life.
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