Mikaela Shiffrin, the American alpine skiing star, etched her name in sports history on February 23, 2025, by winning her 100th World Cup race at the slalom event in Sestriere, Italy. This remarkable achievement marks Shiffrin as the first skier, male or female, to claim triple-digit victories on the prestigious skiing circuit.
The 29-year-old skier demonstrated her elite prowess by finishing the race 0.61 seconds ahead of second-placed Zrinka Ljutic from Croatia, with Shiffrin's U.S. teammate, Paula Moltzan, claiming third place just 0.64 seconds behind. The event unfolded vividly, as Shiffrin showcased her trademark technical skill and competitive spirit, culminating in tears of joy when she realized the significance of her victory.
"Everybody’s been so nice and so supportive. All of my teammates and competitors and coaches and the whole World Cup and I’m so grateful, thank you," Shiffrin expressed, overwhelmed with emotion following her historic win. Her sentiment underscored the camaraderie within the competitive circuit, particularly her special bond with Moltzan. "I think it’s pretty special to share it with Paula, my teammate. We just keep pushing – she pushes, and I push. And we made it achievable," she added, highlighting the supportive network surrounding her.
Shiffrin’s path to this monumental victory was fraught with challenges. Just three months prior, Shiffrin suffered from serious injuries after crashing during the giant slalom race at Killington, Vermont. The accident left her with a puncture wound to her oblique and severe trauma, prompting surgery and weeks of recovery. It was not just physical injuries she faced; Shiffrin has spoken candidly about experiencing PTSD-like symptoms following the crash, complicate her return to the sport she loves.
Prior to her remarkable win, she had struggled with her performance, failing to qualify for the second run of two giant slalom races in Sestriere—a disheartening event for any athlete, especially one of her caliber. "It’s been hard to find the right momentum and the right flow," Shiffrin reflected, addressing the fears and pressures she has faced during her recovery. Yet through it all, she continued to train hard, demonstrating incredible resilience and determination.
On the day of her 100th victory, Shiffrin took charge early, finishing the first run with a slender lead over Ljutic. Her assertive second run saw her widen the gap over her competitors, successfully tapping back to her exceptional form. The victory was not just about number 100; it was also her 63rd win in slalom races, securing her position as the most successful slalom racer of all time, significantly outpacing her competitors, including Sweden's legendary skier, Stenmark.
Shiffrin's accomplishment goes beyond individual triumphs; she has now matched Stenmark's record for the most podium finishes across both men's and women's World Cup events, reaching her 155th top-three result today. "Today, a lot of things had to go right for me and actually wrong for some others," she said modestly, attributing part of her luck to the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.
Many experts believe Shiffrin's record may stand the test of time, as it took place amid increasingly competitive fields. Her willingness to share her struggles with mental health is paving the way for more open discussions on physical and mental recovery among athletes. That will likely inspire younger generations who aspire to excel but also confront challenges.
Despite all the accolades, Shiffrin maintains her modesty. The athlete has always focused on her passion for skiing, emphasizing teamwork and camaraderie over personal records. Her commitment to the future of winter sports is reflected not only in her performance but also through her vision to use her platform for philanthropic efforts. Following her historic win, Shiffrin announced plans to raise $100,000 for Share Winter Foundation, aiming to improve access to skiing and snowboarding for underserved youth.
"One of the most beautiful things we can do as athletes is to share this passion and this love for the winter and the outdoors and the mountains with more of the world," Shiffrin stated, capturing the essence of her mission beyond competition. Looking to the future, the skiers on the circuit remain inspired by Shiffrin’s perseverance, and all eyes will be on her as she continues her career with the hopes of achieving even greater heights.