In a triumphant return to the alpine skiing world, Mikaela Shiffrin has once again proven why she is considered the greatest alpine skier of all time. The 30-year-old American superstar, with a record-breaking 101 World Cup victories, has captivated fans and inspired athletes worldwide with her relentless determination and unparalleled skill on the slopes. Her 2024-25 season, marked by both adversity and monumental achievements, has solidified her legacy as a pioneer in the sport.
Shiffrin’s journey this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a devastating crash on November 30, 2024, during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, where she suffered a puncture wound to her abdomen, Shiffrin faced one of the most challenging setbacks of her career. The injury, which required surgery and sidelined her for weeks, left her grappling not only with physical recovery but also with mental hurdles, including PTSD-like symptoms. “On particularly bad days, I’d question my motivation, or whether I still wanted to do this anymore,” Shiffrin revealed in a heartfelt essay for The Players’ Tribune. Yet, her resilience shone through as she returned to competition, embodying the spirit of perseverance that has defined her career.
Her comeback began on January 30, 2025, in Courchevel, France, where she competed in a slalom event, finishing tenth despite the lingering effects of her injury. Just weeks later, on February 23, 2025, in Sestriere, Italy, Shiffrin achieved a historic milestone, securing her 100th World Cup victory in a slalom race—an unprecedented feat in alpine skiing history. This victory, followed by her 101st win at the World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, on March 27, 2025, underscored her ability to overcome adversity and continue pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Shiffrin’s performance at the 2025 FIS Alpine World Championships in Saalbach, Austria, further highlighted her grit. Despite withdrawing from the giant slalom due to mental challenges stemming from her Killington crash, she competed in the slalom portion of the team combined event alongside teammate Breezy Johnson, helping the U.S. team secure a strong showing. Her fifth-place finish in the individual slalom race demonstrated her focus on rebuilding confidence while still competing at an elite level.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Shiffrin’s influence extends far beyond the slopes. Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2023 and the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Dartmouth College in June 2025, Shiffrin has become a global ambassador for skiing. Her work with the Share Winter Foundation to promote accessibility in snow sports reflects her commitment to giving back to the community that shaped her. “If I’m in good shape, and [the 100th victory] does happen, I see it as a really big opportunity to bolster all the stories that are happening in ski racing right now,” she said, emphasizing her desire to elevate the sport as a whole.
Shiffrin’s journey has not been without personal challenges. The loss of her father, Jeff Shiffrin, in 2020, and her own injuries in recent years have tested her resolve. Yet, her ability to channel these experiences into motivation has inspired countless fans and aspiring athletes. Her fiancé, Norwegian skier Aleksander Kilde, who is also recovering from a severe injury sustained in 2024, has been a source of mutual support, with Shiffrin celebrating his return to training in 2025. Their shared resilience highlights the strength of their partnership both on and off the snow.
As Shiffrin gears up for the 2025-26 season, with her sights set on the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, her focus remains on technical events—slalom, giant slalom, and super-G—after opting not to compete in downhills following her 2024 crash in Cortina d’Ampezzo. With 16 technical races scheduled before the Olympics, Shiffrin is poised to continue her record-breaking trajectory, potentially matching or surpassing Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s six overall World Cup titles.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to her skill, determination, and unwavering passion for alpine skiing. As she continues to conquer the slopes, she remains an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, proving that even in the face of setbacks, greatness is achievable through perseverance and heart.
