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23 February 2025

Mikaela Shiffrin Makes History With 100th World Cup Win

Alpine skiing icon secures landmark victory at Sestriere after overcoming injuries and setbacks.

Mikaela Shiffrin made history on February 23, 2025, by securing her 100th World Cup victory during the women's slalom competition held at Sestriere, Italy. The pristine weather conditions and the sold-out grandstand filled with enthusiastic fans created the perfect backdrop for this monumental achievement.

Shiffrin, who displayed remarkable resilience, clocked the fastest time of 53.79 seconds during the first run, placing her last to run during the second heat. This strategic position heightened the pressure, yet she remained composed at the start gate, ready to embrace the significance of the occasion.

Rising star Zrinka Ljutic from Croatia finished second, followed by fellow American Paula Moltzan, showcasing Shiffrin's astonishing skills amid fierce competition. Shiffrin's victory came just two and half months after she had to contend with significant injuries—a seven-centimeter puncture wound suffered during the earlier Stifel Killington Cup event, which had threatened her physical and mental endurance.

Reflecting on the ups and downs of her recent career, Shiffrin described the mental health challenges she faced following her recovery from the injury and how it changed her perspective on racing. “Now, for the rest of the season, my goal is sort of fighting for some points so I can try to stay in the top 30,” she shared after her disappointing exit from the Giant Slalom event just days before the Sestriere competition. That experience did little to dampen her resolve as she focused on the task at hand—a mark of her tenacious spirit.

Sophie Goldschmidt, the President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, praised her perseverance and achievements, stating, “Mikaela Shiffrin is truly one of a kind. Not only does she reset record after record within her sport, but she does it with a sense of humility and grace.”

Shiffrin's career is nothing short of extraordinary. Since claiming her first World Cup win at 16, she has built upon her legacy, shattering records and redefining the nature of success within alpine skiing. Her 100th win places her alongside legends, bolstering her standing as the most decorated alpine skier of all time.

Among her many accolades are the 16 Crystal Globes, five of which are Overall titles, three Olympic medals—including two gold—and 15 World Championship medals. Statistically, Shiffrin is phenomenal: she wins about 36% of the races she enters and finds herself on the podium 56% of the time. The measures of her accomplishments have raised the bar for future generations of athletes.

After her historic win, Shiffrin also announced her involvement with the Share Winter Foundation, aiming to raise $100,000 to support youth access to snowsports—a cause she feels passionately about. “I see this 100 victory conversation as an opportunity to bring more eyes and, ideally, more passion to the sport,” she expressed. Her desire to create access for underserved communities demonstrates Shiffrin's commitment beyond her personal achievements.

Constance Beverley, CEO of Share Winter Foundation, acknowledged the broader significance of Shiffrin's milestone. “The willingness to take this moment and transform it...that’s what makes Mikaela Shiffrin the greatest of all time,” she reflected, hinting at the impact of Shiffrin's words and actions both on and off the slopes. “It’s not the win; it’s her empathy for what the win could mean for others.”

With the next stop on the World Cup Tour scheduled for Kvitfjell, Norway, from February 28 to March 2, Shiffrin's focus continues to shift toward the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Amidst targeting competitive victories, she remains dedicated to nurturing her philanthropic legacy and encouraging participation within winter sports—proving once again her desire to redefine greatness within her sport.