Sestriere, Italy (AFP) – Mikaela Shiffrin made history on Sunday by becoming the first skier to achieve 100 World Cup victories. However, the American skiing star revealed that she had questioned her decision to return to competition so soon after a serious crash in November.

Shiffrin, already one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, secured her milestone victory in Sestriere, winning her 63rd World Cup slalom event. The achievement further solidifies her dominance in the sport, but she admitted that doubts had crept in during her recovery.

A Challenging Road to 100 Wins

In November, Shiffrin suffered a severe crash that left her sidelined and facing an uncertain comeback. The road to recovery was not only physical but also mental. The 28-year-old acknowledged that she had considered delaying her return to ensure she was fully prepared.

“I definitely questioned whether I was coming back too soon,” Shiffrin said after her historic win. “There were moments of doubt, moments where I wasn’t sure if I was ready. But my team, my family, and my love for the sport helped me push through.”

Her decision to return proved to be the right one, as she showcased her trademark precision and speed on the slopes of Sestriere. The victory was a testament to her resilience and determination, proving that she remains a dominant force in alpine skiing.

Breaking Records and Setting New Standards

Shiffrin’s 100th World Cup win places her in a league of her own. She continues to extend her lead as the most successful female skier in history, with no signs of slowing down. Her 63rd slalom victory further underscores her unparalleled expertise in the discipline.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina approaching, Shiffrin’s form and mental toughness will be crucial. Many are now wondering how far she can push her record and whether she could reach an even more astonishing milestone in the coming years.

Looking Ahead

Despite the historic nature of her achievement, Shiffrin remains focused on what’s next. “This is an incredible moment, but I don’t feel like I’m done yet,” she said. “There’s always something to improve, always another challenge ahead.”

As she continues to carve her name deeper into skiing history, one thing is certain—Mikaela Shiffrin’s story is far from over.