A Historic Milestone in Alpine Skiing

Mikaela Shiffrin has once again rewritten the history books. With her 100th FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup victory, achieved on February 23, 2025, in Sestriere, Italy, Shiffrin solidifies her status as the greatest alpine skier of all time. The milestone places her in an elite category, with only a handful of athletes across any sport reaching such a level of dominance.

Her journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days as a teenage prodigy to becoming the most decorated alpine skier in history, Shiffrin’s path has been marked by resilience, relentless work ethic, and an insatiable hunger for success. This victory is not just a number; it’s a testament to her unparalleled talent, mental strength, and the ability to push through adversity.

From Prodigy to Legend: The Making of a Champion

Shiffrin’s skiing journey began in Vail, Colorado, where she was introduced to the sport at a young age by her parents, both of whom had skiing backgrounds. Her talent became evident early on, and she quickly ascended through the ranks. By the time she was 15, she had already made her World Cup debut. A year later, she claimed her first World Cup victory in December 2012 in Åre, Sweden, at just 17 years old.

That victory was the beginning of an era. Over the next decade, Shiffrin dominated the slalom discipline, later expanding her excellence into giant slalom, super-G, and even downhill events. Her technical precision, unmatched consistency, and ability to deliver under pressure set her apart from her competitors.

A Career Defined by Records

Shiffrin’s 100th victory is just one of many records she has broken. She became the all-time leader in World Cup wins in March 2023 when she surpassed Ingemar Stenmark’s record of 86 career victories, a mark that had stood for over three decades. Since then, she has continued to build on her lead, cementing her place in skiing history.

Her accolades include:

• Six overall World Cup titles (a record among female skiers)
• Two Olympic gold medals and one silver
• Seven World Championship gold medals
• The most World Cup wins in a single season (17 in 2018-19)

Her dominance extends beyond just statistics. Shiffrin has redefined what it means to be a complete skier, excelling across multiple disciplines, a feat that few in history have accomplished.

Overcoming Adversity: A Testament to Resilience

Despite her overwhelming success, Shiffrin’s career has not been without challenges. In February 2020, she suffered an immense personal loss with the unexpected passing of her father, Jeff Shiffrin. The tragedy deeply impacted her, and she took time away from the sport to grieve and reflect.

Her return to competition was far from easy. She faced injuries, struggled with form, and dealt with the mental toll of loss. Yet, through perseverance and sheer determination, she regained her winning ways.

Another major setback came in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where she endured one of the most difficult competitions of her career, failing to finish multiple events despite being a heavy favorite. Rather than letting the disappointment define her, Shiffrin used it as fuel to come back stronger.

Her most recent challenge came in November 2024, when she suffered a severe abdominal injury during a crash at the Stifel Killington Cup in Vermont. The injury required surgery and a challenging recovery period. However, true to her character, she returned with unwavering focus, ultimately achieving her historic 100th win just months later.

100 Victories: More Than Just a Number

Reaching 100 World Cup wins is a feat that seemed almost impossible for any skier a decade ago. Stenmark’s 86-win record had stood untouched for years, and many believed it was untouchable. Shiffrin not only surpassed that mark but has now set a new standard that may never be matched.

Her 100th victory came in classic Shiffrin fashion—dominating the field with her signature precision, smooth turns, and aggressive yet controlled approach. The win was not just another podium finish; it was a celebration of her journey, a career built on excellence, discipline, and a love for the sport.

Speaking after the race, Shiffrin reflected on the momentous achievement:

“I never imagined getting to 100 wins. It’s surreal. Every race, every challenge, every victory has been a journey, and I’m just grateful to still be competing at this level. This is for everyone who has supported me along the way—my family, my coaches, my team, and of course, the fans.”

The GOAT Debate: Is There Even a Debate Anymore?

For years, discussions around the greatest alpine skier of all time included names like Stenmark, Lindsey Vonn, and Marcel Hirscher. However, Shiffrin’s achievements have made the conversation one-sided.

Unlike Stenmark, whose wins came primarily in slalom and giant slalom, Shiffrin has excelled across all five disciplines. Compared to Vonn, who dominated speed events, Shiffrin has shown a more well-rounded skillset. Hirscher, though dominant in his era, never reached the sheer number of wins or versatility that Shiffrin has.

By every metric—victories, versatility, longevity, and impact—Shiffrin has cemented herself as the GOAT of alpine skiing.

What’s Next for Shiffrin?

At just 29 years old, Shiffrin still has plenty of racing left in her. While many athletes peak in their mid-to-late twenties, she has shown no signs of slowing down.

With multiple seasons ahead, she could realistically aim for 120 or even 130 career wins, setting a record that may never be broken. Her focus will also likely shift toward the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, where she hopes to add to her already impressive medal collection.

Beyond records, Shiffrin’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. She has inspired a new generation of skiers, proving that hard work, resilience, and passion can lead to greatness. Young athletes worldwide look up to her not just for her victories, but for her grace, humility, and sportsmanship.

Conclusion: A Legacy for the Ages

Mikaela Shiffrin’s 100th World Cup victory is more than just a milestone—it’s a moment that cements her place in sports history. Few athletes in any discipline have achieved such sustained dominance while maintaining the integrity and humility that define her career.

As the world celebrates her historic achievement, one thing is clear: Mikaela Shiffrin is not just the best skier of her generation—she is the greatest of all time. And she’s not done yet.