Mikaela Shiffrin is closing out the 2025/26 World Cup season with her signature blend of fire and fun. After a challenging super-G at the Lillehammer Finals in Kvitfjell—where she finished 22nd and earned no points in her limited-discipline return—the American superstar took to social media with an upbeat, forward-looking post: “Fun to be back on the super-G skis…motivated to find more speed in super-G in the offseason, but for now, it’s time to dance 💃”
The caption perfectly captures Shiffrin’s mindset: optimistic about offseason gains in the speed event she’s raced sparingly since late 2023, but ready to celebrate and recharge after a grueling Finals push. With the overall Crystal Globe still in play (she leads Emma Aicher by just 45 points heading into Tuesday’s slalom and Wednesday’s GS—her strongest events), the “time to dance” line feels like a well-earned exhale before the final showdown.
But the post’s emotional highlight came in the shoutout: “And of course, CONGRATS @ilkastuhec…🥹😭🤩😘” Shiffrin was paying tribute to Slovenia’s Ilka Štuhec, who made her 252nd and final World Cup start in Sunday’s super-G, finishing 18th in a heartfelt send-off. The two-time downhill world champion (2017, 2019), 11-time World Cup winner, and 22-time podium finisher was celebrated in the finish area with champagne sprays and tears after crossing the line. Štuhec had announced earlier that the Kvitfjell speed races would mark her retirement, capping an incredible career marked by resilience through injuries and comeback triumphs.
Shiffrin’s personal congrats—complete with crying, heart-eyed, and kiss emojis—underscored the deep respect among the women’s speed stars. Despite the super-G disappointment (Sofia Goggia won the race and clinched her first super-G Crystal Globe), Shiffrin stayed positive, focusing on progress and gratitude.
Fans are loving the mix of motivation and heart: comments flooded in with “Dance queen energy! 💃” “What a classy tribute to Ilka 🥹” and “Mikaela always keeps it real and kind ❤️.” As the Finals wrap with technical races where Shiffrin excels, this post reminds everyone: she’s not just chasing records—she’s cherishing the sport, her rivals, and the moments off the hill.
Offseason speed work? Bring it. For now? Let the dancing (and the congrats) begin. ⛷️💃
