Mikaela Shiffrin has made history by winning her ninth slalom season title, a first in the World Cup’s six-decade span. With the Beijing 2022 Olympics on the horizon, Shiffrin’s achievement underscores her dominance in the sport.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Record-Breaking Performance
At the latest event in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic, Shiffrin secured her spot as the top slalom racer. She triumphed in both runs, finishing ahead of her closest competitor, Camille Rast, by 1.67 seconds. This victory positions Shiffrin as the undisputed leader in slalom standings, with two races remaining before the Olympics.
Historic Achievements and Future Challenges
- Shiffrin clinched her first slalom globe at 18 years old in 2013.
- She holds the record for most career wins in slalom (71) and overall (108).
- Shiffrin aims to compete in slalom, giant slalom (GS), and team events at the Olympics.
The American skier expressed a balanced perspective regarding her success, stating that “the Olympics is a totally different challenge.” She reflected on her past Olympic experiences and emphasized the importance of mental preparedness and teamwork.
Current Standing and Season Overview
Shiffrin currently leads the season standings by a remarkable 288 points, thanks to her seven wins from eight slalom races. Her only setback came in a race held in Slovenia, where Rast emerged victorious. As the competition continues, two more slalom events are scheduled after the Olympics, with each win offering an additional 100 points.
The women’s World Cup will proceed with downhill and super-G events in Crans-Montana next weekend, marking the final competitions before the Olympiad.
As Shiffrin prepares to compete in her third Olympic Games, her commitment to improvement remains strong. “I’m motivated by the ability to ski faster,” she stated, highlighting her continuous pursuit of excellence in the sport.
