Mikaela Shiffrin Makes History with 100th World Cup Win in Alpine Skiing

Image credits: Marco Bertorello / AFP via Getty Images

Mikaela Shiffrin has made history in the world of Alpine skiing by securing her 100th World Cup victory. The American skier achieved this milestone by winning the slalom event in Sestriere, Italy, finishing 0.61 seconds ahead of Croatia's Zrinka Ljutic. This win not only extends her record tally of wins but also makes her the first skier, male or female, to reach triple digits in World Cup race victories. Shiffrin's compatriot, Paula Moltzan, finished third in the event, thanks to an excellent second run.

Shiffrin's journey to her 100th career World Cup win was put on hold after she crashed during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, in November. She suffered a puncture wound in her abdomen and was left in a "mental, psychological PTSD-esque struggle" when returning to the sport. Despite this, Shiffrin won a record-equalling 15th career world championships medal earlier this month in Saalbach, when she and downhill champion Breezy Johnson struck gold in the new women's team combined event. Her resilience and determination have been key factors in her success, allowing her to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals.

Shiffrin had appeared slightly off the pace in her World Cup return, finishing 25th in the Sestriere giant slalom on Friday and failing to make the cut in the same category on Saturday. However, she found her form quickly in the slalom event, posting the day's best time of 53.79 in the initial run. This made her the last skier to go in the second run, and she turned in the fourth-best time, keeping well ahead of the pace the whole run as she came down the hill. The win puts Shiffrin right back to where she was before the injuries — winning World Cup slaloms. She topped the podium in each of the year's first two slalom races — in Levi, Finland, and Gurgl, Austria — in November before her crash in Killington.

Here are the top 3 finishers in the slalom event in Sestriere, Italy:

• Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) - 1:50.33
• Zrinka Ljutic (Croatia) - 1:50.94
• Paula Moltzan (USA) - 1:50.97

Shiffrin's historic win has cemented her position as one of the greatest Alpine skiers of all time, with a record that is unlikely to be broken anytime soon. Her consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made her a dominant force in the sport, and she continues to inspire fans around the world with her achievements.

Mikaela Shiffrin's 100th World Cup win is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. She has overcome numerous challenges throughout her career, including injuries and setbacks, but has always managed to bounce back and achieve her goals. As she continues to compete at the highest level, fans can expect to see more exciting performances from this talented skier. With her record-breaking win, Shiffrin has solidified her place in the history books, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of skiers.

mikaela shiffrin ski cup 100th alpine slalom world history skier