Mikaela Shiffrin made history on March 19, 2023, at the World Cup finals held in Sestriere, Italy, as she secured her 100th career victory, becoming the first skier ever to reach this remarkable milestone. Celebrated as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Shiffrin’s extraordinary achievement showcases her dominance and unparalleled resilience on the slopes.
Fans erupted in joy when FIS Alpine's Instagram posted the triumphant announcement: "💯🏆 A historic podium in Sestriere! 🥇 🇺🇸—100th career victory! 🔥" Shiffrin left no doubt about her capabilities, winning the race with a time of 1:32.60, edging out Croatia's Zrinka Ljutic by 0.61 seconds, with fellow American Paula Moltzan taking third.
This milestone is particularly poignant for Shiffrin, as she had to overcome significant challenges last season. An injury during the Stifel Killington Cup had sidelined her, leading to surgery and recovery. Speaking about her victory, Shiffrin humbly admitted, "My feeling is blank a little bit... It’s overwhelming. It’s too hard to find thoughts for it. But that'll also provide such peacefulness, as normally I'm always thinking. Sometimes, it’s nice to have a moment where I can't think.”
Shiffrin's success not only highlights her skill but also the dedication and hard work she's put forth throughout her career. She has consistently proven herself against fierce competition, solidifying her place as the number one alpine skier. One fan aptly celebrated her success, stating, "A hundred is just crazy!" within the thrilling atmosphere of social media reactions.
The response from her peers has been universally reverent. Austrian skiing legend Annemarie Moser-Pröll, who won 62 World Cup titles herself, marveled at Shiffrin’s accomplishment, stating, "100 World Cup victories for Mikaela; unbelievable, spectacular. One thing is certain for me; Mikaela is and will remain the best ever." This sentiment was echoed by multiple current and former competitors who admire both her achievements and her gracious demeanor.
Franz Klammer, another Austrian legend known for his impressive 25 wins, commented on the magnitude of her achievement: "Just think about going up to 100 (wins). This is in the stratosphere, it’s not in the atmosphere. It’s hard to believe this can be done." His excitement reflects the broader admiration within the sport.
Hermann Maier, double Olympic champion and three-time World Champion, added, "100 victories is not just history for skiing, it’s also something which will be remembered as historic for sports overall." Maier recognized Shiffrin’s authenticity and joy, noting how much she has contributed to the sport's legacy.
With her tenacity, Shiffrin has become not only a champion but also a source of inspiration for many. Each of her races is not merely about winning; it's about pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Fans have characterized her as "the GOAT... not just in skiing but the greatest sportswoman of all time." Her returns from adversity underline her status as not just a sports figure but as a source of motivation.
Current rivals, including Italy's Federica Brignone and Switzerland's Wendy Holdener, expressed similar sentiments of admiration and respect for Shiffrin, both for her talent and for her ability to encourage and challenge them throughout their careers. Holdener gleefully remarked about the competition, illustrating how being on the same slopes has propelled improvement across the board.
Shiffrin’s influence extends beyond mere victories. Breezy Johnson, her teammate, highlighted qualities such as Shiffrin's generosity and support where camaraderie flourished between competitors. "Like lending me a helmet when mine broke, always being willing to talk about technique or training, being such an inspiration" — these moments add to the aura of Shiffrin's legacy.
Fans are already eagerly anticipating what else Shiffrin can accomplish. Michelle Gisin remarked, "I am more than forward to the next 100," indicating the expectation surrounding Shiffrin’s continued performances. It stands clear, this historic victory is just one part of her ever-growing legacy.
Through Shiffrin’s dedication and perseverance, she continues to redefine the sport of skiing, pushing both herself and her competitors to greater heights. Upon standing atop the podium, ski poles raised high, she embodies the spirit of alpine skiing—strength, resilience, and excitement. The world watches, awed by what this remarkable athlete will achieve next, knowing full well this is not just about 100 wins; it’s about the legacy she is creating, one race at a time.