Mikaela Shiffrin has made history by winning her 100th World Cup victory at the slalom event held in Sestriere, Italy, on February 23, 2025. The milestone places her as one of the greatest alpine skiers to ever compete, showcasing not just skill, but also remarkable resilience through challenging times.
With the Italian skies shifting from snow to sunshine, the atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to witness what would soon become one of the most significant days of Shiffrin's illustrious career. Teammate Paula Moltzan finished strong at third place, but all eyes were on Shiffrin as she raced, not only to win but also to achieve this monumental goal.
Shiffrin's run was impressive; she completed her first run and took the lead by just 0.09 seconds, edging out fellow competitors, including Croatia's Zrinka Ljutic, who finished as runner-up. Her second run was marked by determination and agility, as Shiffrin gave it her all, showcasing the skill and mental fortitude required at this level of competition.
After her victory, Shiffrin expressed her gratitude, stating, “Today was just amazing day in the middle of some really tough months, but I'm very thankful for this day.” These words reflect not only her elation but also the struggles she faced after being sidelined for 2.5 months with a severe injury sustained during competition. This comeback makes her achievement all the more significant, proving her unmatched dedication to the sport.
Shiffrin’s career is already storied—two Olympic gold medals, seven World Championship titles, and now 100 World Cup victories. But for her, chasing records is secondary to her passion for skiing and promoting winter sports. “I see this milestone as an opportunity to bring more people to the sport,” she said, demonstrating her commitment to inclusivity and the growth of skiing through her work with the Share Winter Foundation.
During the slalom event, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team showcased their depth, with AJ Hurt also delivering commendable performances. Hurt was particularly notable for her strong runs, securing significant time advantages and finishing 13th overall. Moltzan, who has had her own battles this season, pumped herself up to push through the competition, finishing her run with vigor and determination. “I knew...I just wanted to lay everything on the line and see how it played out,” Moltzan commented on her strategy, which paid off as she earned her third podium finish of the season.
Fans and teammates celebrated Shiffrin's triumphant finish with joy as they donned “MIK100” shirts, symbolizing their admiration for her achievements. Drenched in champagne, she smiled and soaked up the moment, marking the end of Sestriere’s weekend with her coveted 100th win secured.
Shiffrin’s words encapsulated the gravity of this achievement: “I feel like the mountain ahead of me is steep and long,” she reflected on the challenges she continues to face, yet she remains determined to push forward and seek even greater victories. She managed to claim 63 of her 100 victories through slalom races alone, establishing her as the leading slalom skier of all time.
Her win resonates beyond the slopes, serving as inspiration for young athletes everywhere. Shiffrin hopes her success will encourage the next generation of winter sport enthusiasts. Looking forward, she is set to compete again during the World Cup tech tour, which will take her to Are, Sweden, for slalom and giant slalom events on March 8-9, 2025.
Indeed, the spotlight remains firmly on Mikaela Shiffrin as she continues to redefine what it means to be not just on the podium but also off of it, inspiring countless individuals to embrace the winter sports. With her unyielding spirit and passion for the sport, there’s no telling how many more barriers she will break.