How Mikaela Shiffrin Battled Harsh Conditions and Heavy Pressure to Secure Another World Cup Slalom Victory

Mikaela Shiffrin once again proved why she remains the benchmark in women’s alpine skiing, delivering another standout performance during the 2025–26 FIS World Cup season. The American star added yet another victory to her growing list of achievements by winning the slalom event in Semmering, Austria, marking her sixth straight World Cup win overall and her fifth consecutive triumph this season.

United States’ Mikaela Shiffrin smiles after winning an alpine ski, women’s World Cup slalom in Semmering, Austria, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Pier Marco Tacca)

At 30 years old, Shiffrin continues to dominate the sport with remarkable consistency. However, despite standing atop the podium yet again, the victory was far from straightforward. In the aftermath of the race, Shiffrin made it clear that the challenging conditions significantly dampened her satisfaction with the result.

A Win Earned the Hard Way

The Semmering slalom presented competitors with some of the most demanding conditions of the season. Unseasonably difficult weather forced race organizers to intervene by adding water and salt to the course in an attempt to preserve the snow surface. Rather than stabilizing the track, the measures had the opposite effect as the day progressed.

By the afternoon session, the snow began to deteriorate rapidly, breaking apart under the skis of competitors and leading to multiple delays. The uneven surface created dangerous conditions, increasing the risk of crashes and forcing many athletes to abandon their runs altogether.

Shiffrin, who navigated the course successfully, later acknowledged that the circumstances were mentally and physically draining. Speaking to local media after the race, she openly criticized the event organization, emphasizing the safety concerns faced by the athletes.

“It was a very challenging and distracting day,” Shiffrin said in comments reported by The Guardian. “My understanding is there were no big injuries, but the way the surface was breaking… the second run was a bit better, for sure, but I am frustrated with how that went for these women.”

Her remarks reflected broader concerns within the field, as only 40 of the 77 skiers who started the opening run managed to reach the finish line. Frequent interruptions disrupted rhythm and focus, making it difficult for athletes to perform at their best.

Maintaining Composure Under Pressure

Despite the chaos surrounding the event, Shiffrin showcased the composure that has defined her career. She managed to block out the distractions, adapt her technique to the deteriorating snow, and deliver two strong runs when it mattered most.

Her victory was anything but comfortable. Swiss skier Camille Rast, the reigning world champion, pushed Shiffrin to the limit and finished just 0.09 seconds behind her in second place. Albanian teenager Lara Colturi completed the podium with an impressive third-place finish, continuing her rise on the World Cup circuit.

Shiffrin’s ability to perform under such testing circumstances highlighted not only her technical mastery but also her mental resilience—qualities that have allowed her to sustain success across more than a decade at the top of the sport.

Strengthening Her Olympic Momentum

The Semmering win further extended Shiffrin’s lead in both the overall World Cup standings and the slalom discipline rankings. With the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics scheduled for early February next year, the timing of her peak form could not be better.

Shiffrin enters the Olympic cycle with a résumé that already includes two Olympic gold medals and one silver. Earlier this year, she also captured a team combined gold medal at the 2025 World Championships, reinforcing her status as one of the most accomplished skiers in history.

However, the upcoming Olympics carry special significance for the American star. The 2022 Beijing Winter Games were a rare disappointment in her otherwise glittering career. Multiple early exits meant her best result was a fourth-place finish in the women’s team combined event, leaving her without an individual medal.

Those missed opportunities have clearly fueled her motivation heading into Milano Cortina. Each World Cup victory not only strengthens her confidence but also sharpens her competitive edge as she seeks redemption on the Olympic stage.

Looking Ahead

While the Semmering slalom added another trophy to Shiffrin’s collection, it also reignited conversations about athlete safety and race management in challenging weather. Her willingness to speak out underscored her role not just as a champion, but as a leading voice within the sport.

For now, Shiffrin’s focus remains firmly on performance. As the World Cup season progresses, she continues to set the pace, combining experience, adaptability, and relentless determination. If her current form is any indication, she will arrive at the Milano Cortina Olympics as one of the clear favorites—ready to reclaim Olympic glory and further cement her legacy as one of alpine skiing’s all-time greats.