In a display of sheer dominance that has become her trademark, American alpine skiing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin etched her name deeper into the annals of the sport, clinching her record-extending 103rd FIS Alpine World Cup victory on Sunday in the picturesque Austrian resort of Gurgl. The 30-year-old slalom maestro powered through two flawless runs to finish in a blistering combined time of 1:48.11, leaving her nearest competitor a full 1.23 seconds adrift—a margin that felt as insurmountable as the snow-capped peaks surrounding the course.
The win, in the women’s slalom event, marks Shiffrin’s second consecutive victory in the discipline this season, following her commanding performance in Levi, Finland, just a week prior. It also extends her unbeaten streak in slalom to three races, dating back to the 2024-25 season finale in Sun Valley, Idaho. With this latest triumph, Shiffrin now boasts an astonishing 66 World Cup slalom wins—a number that underscores her unparalleled mastery in the tight, twisting gates where precision meets raw athleticism.
Albania’s rising star Lara Colturi, the 19-year-old phenom who trains in Italy and carries the legacy of her mother’s 2002 Olympic super-G gold, once again played the role of spirited challenger. Colturi held second place with a solid effort, mirroring her runner-up finish from Levi. Switzerland’s Camille Rast, the reigning world slalom champion, rounded out the podium in third, fending off a late surge from the field. American teammate Paula Moltzan also shone brightly, securing a commendable fifth place in a race that tested the limits of even the most seasoned sliders.
Conditions in Gurgl were as unforgiving as they were beautiful: a brisk morning gave way to sunny skies for the second run, transforming the aggressively dry snow into a canvas for Shiffrin’s artistry. “I had to push so hard, but it was really nice with the sun on the second run,” Shiffrin said post-race, her breath still visible in the crisp alpine air. “Last year, I remember it was so dark here—this was a really nice surprise. It was pretty much exactly how I expected: not easy, but I knew the others were pushing. So, there’s no choice. You have to go.”
Shiffrin’s path to 103 has been nothing short of legendary. Since surpassing Ingemar Stenmark’s long-standing record of 86 wins in 2023, she has added 17 more to her tally, all while navigating the physical and emotional tolls of elite competition. This season’s start—fourth in the giant slalom opener in Sölden, followed by back-to-back slalom routs—signals that the two-time Olympic gold medalist is not just chasing records but redefining what’s possible as she eyes a third Olympic medal haul in Milan-Cortina next year.
Yet amid the cheers from the international crowd and the flash of podium cameras, one voice cut through with heartfelt simplicity: that of Shiffrin’s mother, Eileen. The former U.S. Ski Team physiologist and eternal pillar of support took to social media moments after the finish line, her words a poignant reminder of the human heartbeat behind the headlines. “I’m happy to be the mother of Mikaela Shiffrin,” Eileen wrote, capturing the raw joy of a parent witnessing her daughter’s ascent. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply in a family where skiing isn’t just a sport—it’s a shared legacy. Eileen’s own career on the slopes and her role in nurturing Mikaela’s talent have been instrumental, turning what could have been prodigious talent into enduring greatness.
As the World Cup circuit thaws toward North America, Shiffrin’s next test comes at the Stifel Copper Cup in Copper Mountain, Colorado, from November 29 to December 1. With the overall standings already tilting in her favor after just three events, the Edwards, Colorado native sits atop the slalom rankings and fourth in giant slalom. But for now, in Gurgl’s golden light, the focus is on celebration—a 103rd win that’s as much about family as it is about flags and fences.
Mikaela Shiffrin isn’t just skiing for records; she’s gliding through history, one gate at a time, with her mother’s pride lighting the way.
