In a thrilling display of skill and determination, American ski racing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin secured her 99th World Cup victory in the season’s second slalom event in Gurgl, Austria. The win extends Shiffrin’s already impressive record and sets the stage for a historic chase for her 100th triumph on home soil in North America.
Shiffrin Shines in Slalom
Shiffrin, known for her technical prowess and unrelenting focus, held onto her first-run lead to clinch the win by a margin of 0.55 seconds over rising star Lara Colturi of Albania and Switzerland’s Camille Rast, who both achieved their first career podium finishes. The challenging Kirchenkar course tested the athletes’ precision and adaptability.
“It feels really satisfying to have a great run down this slope. What a wonderful day!”
– Mikaela Shiffrin on her victory in Gurgl
The Road to 100
With this win, Shiffrin’s World Cup tally stands at an astounding 99 victories, far surpassing any other skier in history. The previous record of 86 wins was held by Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark, a mark Shiffrin overtook in March 2023. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming North American leg of the World Cup circuit, where Shiffrin has the opportunity to achieve an unprecedented 100th win in front of her home crowd.
“I guess there is a bit of pressure around it, but I’ll try to ignore that. If it happens, it’s wonderful. If it doesn’t, nothing to cry about in the grand scheme.”
– Shiffrin on the prospect of reaching 100 wins
A Champion’s Mindset
Despite her dominance, Shiffrin remains grounded and focused on the process rather than the outcome. She acknowledged feeling nervous before her second run in Gurgl, but drew upon her vast experience and mental fortitude to deliver a near-flawless performance.
“I could hear all the women going down and their teams cheering, and that always means they had a really good run. I didn’t think it was happening today.”
– Shiffrin on her pre-race nerves
The Next Chapter
The women’s World Cup circuit now heads to North America for a series of events, including a giant slalom and slalom in Killington, Vermont; two giant slalom races in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec; and a super-G in Beaver Creek, Colorado. These races present Shiffrin with the tantalizing prospect of achieving her 100th victory on familiar terrain and in front of her adoring fans.
As the ski racing world eagerly awaits this potentially historic moment, Shiffrin remains committed to her craft, striving for excellence with each turn. Her journey has inspired countless aspiring athletes and captivated fans worldwide, cementing her status as one of the greatest skiers of all time.
Will Mikaela Shiffrin reach the elusive 100-win milestone in the coming weeks? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: her unwavering dedication, skill, and passion for the sport will continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of ski racing for years to come.
