Mikaela Shiffrin achieved her 99th World Cup victory in Gurgl, Austria, moving closer to her milestone 100th win. Competing in challenging conditions, she showcased her skill in slalom, while 18-year-old Lara Colturi and Swiss racer Camille Rast secured surprising podium finishes. Shiffrin, who humorously coached her younger competitors during the ceremony, reflected on the pressure of reaching 100 victories at her home resort in Killington, where upcoming races are scheduled.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s 99th World Cup Victory
The American ski sensation Mikaela Shiffrin reached a remarkable milestone by clinching her 99th World Cup victory on Saturday in Gurgl, Austria. With her eyes now set on the 100th win, she is just one triumph away from this significant achievement, which could come as early as next week.
Competing under the bright Tyrolean sun, Shiffrin led the first run despite encountering a few challenges. She displayed exceptional skill and determination to fend off her rivals, securing victory in the picturesque Austrian resort that was hosting the women’s World Cup for the first time.
Unexpected Podium Finishers
“I was feeling quite nervous up there, hearing the cheering from the fans as the other girls raced down. It made me think they were having great runs,” Shiffrin shared after her impressive slalom performance, marking her second victory of the winter, following her success in Levi, Finland the previous week.
In a surprising twist, the podium featured some fresh faces. Eighteen-year-old Lara Colturi, the daughter of 2002 Olympic super-G champion Daniela Ceccarelli, took second place, having previously never finished higher than ninth and starting the race with bib number 27. Completing the podium was Swiss racer Camille Rast, 25, who achieved her first individual World Cup podium finish.
During the podium ceremony, Shiffrin, who has now graced the podium 154 times, playfully guided her younger competitors on how to pose for the cameras.
Looking Ahead to Killington
Wendy Holdener from Switzerland also made headlines with her strong fourth-place finish, marking a triumphant return to the sport following a serious ankle injury and the tragic loss of her brother.
With her 99 World Cup victories, Shiffrin has shattered the previous record held by Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark, who had 86 wins. She now has the opportunity to further enhance her legacy by achieving her 100th victory at Killington, USA, where both a slalom and a giant slalom are set for November 30 and December 1.
“I prefer not to dwell on records or think about them,” Shiffrin stated at the end of October. However, as she approaches this historic milestone at her home resort in Vermont, her perspective has shifted slightly.
Meanwhile, the excitement of the ski World Cup continues in Gurgl, with the men’s slalom scheduled for Sunday.