đ The path to history is rarely smooth, and for Mikaela Shiffrin, her 99th career World Cup victory was a testament to grit, pain, and unparalleled determination. The Alpine Skiing superstar clinched her second slalom win of the 2025-26 season in the Arctic Circle classic on Sunday, moving her one step closer to the monumental benchmark of 100 World Cup triumphs.
Shiffrin, still recovering from the lingering effects of a major knee injury (MCL/ACL tear) suffered back in January, showcased her legendary competitive fire. She edged out Switzerlandâs Wendy Holdener by a slim 0.21 seconds, an outcome that required a superhuman effort on a punishing course.
“My Legs Were Screaming”
The venue, the “Black-Diamond Pitch” in Levi, felt particularly challenging this weekend. The 30-year-old American admitted the course was “brutal,” but she attacked her second run with the ferocity that has defined her career.
âI had to push so hard today â my legs were screaming, but I just kept telling myself one more turn,â Shiffrin told FIS cameras at the finish, her voice strained with the exertion and relief of victory.
Her combined time of 1:46.19 was just enough to hold off both Holdener and a strong challenge from Croatia’s Leona PopoviÄ (+0.53). This victory was a masterclass in pain management and precision, posting the fastest final split time to secure the win. It was also her eighth victory at the Levi venue, which she now affectionately calls “my second home.”
History Looms: The Road to 100
This win extends Shiffrinâs own seemingly unbreakable womenâs slalom record to 61 triumphs and officially reclaims her lead in the discipline standings. But the focus now shifts entirely to the next milestone: World Cup Win #100.
That historic opportunity looms large next weekend at the Killington Giant Slalom in Vermont. Competing on home snow provides a dramatic stage for the potential achievement, making it one of the most anticipated events of the season.
The incredible resilience shown in securing victory #99 proves that even with injury setbacks and brutal course conditions, Mikaela Shiffrin remains the undisputed force in Alpine Skiing. Her battle against the clockâand against her own bodyâis a continuous source of inspiration as she continues to rewrite the record books. The Shiffrin 100 countdown is officially on, and the skiing world is holding its breath.
