American skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin has once again etched her name into the history books, securing a stunning victory in the women's slalom at Val d'Isère. This win marks her 98th career World Cup triumph, further extending her own all-time record.
A Hard-Fought Victory on the French Slopes
The race, held on Monday, 16 December 2024, was a testament to Shiffrin's resilience and skill. After the first run, she found herself in second place, trailing her Slovakian rival, Petra Vlhová, by 0.15 seconds. The pressure was on for the final descent.
Demonstrating the champion's mentality she is renowned for, Shiffrin attacked the second run with precision and aggression. She posted a blistering time that not only erased Vlhová's lead but built a winning margin of her own. When the final calculations were done, Shiffrin stood 0.29 seconds clear of the field, with Vlhová finishing second and Sweden's Anna Swenn-Larsson taking third.
Chasing the Century Mark and Olympic Ambitions
This landmark win brings the elusive 100-victory milestone firmly into view for the 29-year-old athlete. With 98 wins now on her tally, the skiing world is watching with bated breath as she approaches a feat once thought unattainable.
The victory in Val d'Isère is particularly significant as it builds crucial momentum for the upcoming season. All eyes are on the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach and, beyond that, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Shiffrin's dominant return to the slalom circuit sends a powerful message to her competitors as she aims to add more major championship medals to her already glittering collection.
Overcoming Adversity to Reign Supreme
Shiffrin's path back to the top of the podium has been challenging. The American star faced a period of recovery and rebuilding following an injury earlier in the year. Her triumphant return in Val d'Isère, a venue where she has now won multiple times, underscores her incredible determination and technical mastery.
This latest achievement reinforces her status as the most successful alpine skier, male or female, in the history of the World Cup. Each victory further cements her legacy, not just for the records broken, but for the consistency and excellence she displays across multiple disciplines, with slalom remaining a cornerstone of her success.
