Tina Maze, Marlies Schild Raich, and Mikaela Shiffrin (first WC podium) Leinz 2011: GEPA pictures
In 2010, Mikaela Shiffrin was a rising talent few insiders predicted would make history. She had already won the prestigious Trofeo Topolino and the Whistler Cup, but her true potential remained under the radar. By January 2011, whispers of a “ski prodigy” reached Europe. At just 15, Shiffrin had started her NorAm Cup campaign with two victories in December 2010. She finished that season third overall and topped the slalom standings in the continental competition. That breakout year marked the beginning of her extraordinary career.
Breaking Records, Setting Milestones
Shiffrin claimed her first World Cup podium in December 2011 in the slalom at Lienz, Austria. Her first victory followed nearly a year later in Åre, Sweden, where she bested Frida Hansdotter and Tina Maze in the slalom. Since then, she has amassed 154 podium finishes, including an astonishing 99 wins. This weekend, the 29-year-old phenom has two chances in Killington, Vermont, to claim her 100th career World Cup victory, a feat unmatched by any alpine skier.
Saturday’s giant slalom presents her first opportunity, though Shiffrin has yet to win a GS on Killington’s Superstar course. In slalom, however, she holds a nearly flawless record: seven starts and six victories. If she secures her 100th win this weekend, it will be another defining moment in a career that already includes five overall World Cup titles, 11 discipline globes, and 17 Olympic and World Championship medals.
The Countdown to 100
Shiffrin’s journey has captivated fans and the media since she exceeded Ingemar Stenmark’s record of 86 World Cup victories on March 11, 2023. Every win has brought her closer to the triple-digit milestone, and now she stands on the brink of making history. The FIS has revisited a 2011 interview with Shiffrin conducted by Michael Mastarciyan for the FIS “Young Gun” series to celebrate. At just 16 years old, Shiffrin shared her dreams and insights, offering a glimpse of the champion she would become.
A Legacy in Progress
Mikaela Shiffrin’s list of achievements is unparalleled, but her story is far from over. Whether she reaches 100 wins this weekend or later this season, her dedication to the sport and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire. For fans and aspiring racers alike, Shiffrin’s career is a testament to what is possible with talent, hard work, and unwavering focus.
Information source: skinews.ch
About the Author: Peter Gerber Plech
