Mikaela Shiffrin made history on February 23, 2025, by becoming the first athlete in Alpine skiing to clinch 100 World Cup races. The remarkable achievement took place at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup event held at Sestriere, Italy, where Shiffrin dominated the slalom event, finishing with a time 0.61 seconds faster than Croatia's Zrinka Ljutic.
Shiffrin's victory is significant not only for its numerical value but also for the incredible comeback story behind it. Just three months earlier, she suffered a devastating crash, resulting in a punctured abdomen and deep muscle trauma, which left her both physically and mentally shaken. Upon recovery, her first competitive return was marked by a 10th place finish during the slalom event held at Courchevel, France, earlier in January 2025.
"I'm so grateful. Thank you. And the fans, thank you," Shiffrin reflected during her emotional press conference after the historic race, highlighting the immense support from her fans, teammates, and coaches during her recovery.
Besides her 100 wins, Shiffrin’s illustrious career includes being a two-time Olympic champion and holding the record for the most World Cup victories prior to this milestone. She had achieved her 87th victory in March 2023, surpassing the previous record of Swedish skier Ingmar Stenmark, who set the benchmark back in 1989.
Shiffrin’s 100 victories showcase her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport, with 63 of her wins coming from slalom races and the remaining 37 from other disciplines. Having begun her World Cup career at the youthful age of 16, Shiffrin astounded the world when she became the youngest athlete to win Olympic gold in slalom at the Winter Olympics held in Sochi, 2014.
Her performance was deeply praised even by her competitors; Annemarie Moser-Pröll, herself a legend who won 62 World Cup titles, commented, "She doesn't just want to win; she blows the competition away. One thing is certain for me; Mikaela is and will remain the best ever."
Shiffrin’s record of 100 World Cup victories not only solidifies her status as one of the greatest athletes in skiing history but also sets the stage for her future career, where fans eagerly await what she might achieve next.