Mikaela Shiffrin is back in full force, racking up four consecutive World Cup slalom victories and steadily regaining her edge in the speed events that had left her shaken by two career-shattering crashes.
Slalom Supremacy
Shiffrin has dominated the slalom discipline this Olympic season, winning every one of her first four World Cup races. Her average margin of victory is a staggering 1.5 seconds, a testament to the precision and speed she brings to the course. The American skier’s record-setting streak of five straight slalom wins, including the final race of last season, places her among the sport’s most formidable competitors.
She added that “This season so far I had the ability to like bring top level turns in those pressure moments.” “The world when they’re watching thinks there’s no pressure because I have a big lead or I did it the race before but every single time I stand in the start it’s like a new situation and I found a way so far. I found a way to dig really deep to find that quality skiing. But it’s not straightforward. It takes so much effort.” The quote underscores the mental fortitude required to maintain her dominant form.
Shiffrin’s confidence is further reflected in her self-analysis of momentum: “Right now I can feel when I have a disruption in my momentum and then in my mind it is like a gas pedal,” she said of how she can turn up the pace mid-run. This self-awareness has helped her recover quickly from errors that might otherwise derail a run.
Giant Slalom & Super-G Resurgence
While Shiffrin has claimed a record 22 World Cup giant slalom victories, she has not reached the podium in the discipline since before her devastating crash in Killington, Vermont, last season. That crash left her with a deep puncture wound in her side and severe trauma to her oblique muscles. Despite this setback, she finished fourth twice this season, including the final race in Tremblant, Quebec, signaling a steady return to form.
Her pursuit of speed events continued with a super-G run in St. Moritz, Switzerland, her first speed event since a downhill crash in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, nearly two years ago. Shiffrin was on pace for a decent finish until she missed the final gate, but she remains optimistic: “Even if it’s not the Olympics, super-G is a big goal of mine to return to a strong form in super-G World Cup.” The statement highlights her ambition to re-establish herself across all alpine disciplines.
Shiffrin also noted that “It’s just going to keep taking time.” “I want to just keep improving or maybe get repetition from the slalom level,” she added. Her focus on incremental progress reflects a realistic approach to overcoming the lingering effects of her injuries.
Upcoming Semmering Races
This weekend, Shiffrin returns to the Austrian resort of Semmering, where she has claimed seven of her record 105 World Cup victories. In 2016 and 2022, she achieved an impressive three victories in three days at the same venue. The upcoming events feature a giant slalom on Saturday followed by a slalom on Sunday, offering her a chance to consolidate her season’s momentum.
The Austrian venue has long been a personal stronghold for Shiffrin, and her recent performances suggest she will continue to dominate there. Her presence in both disciplines at Semmering underscores her versatility and readiness for the Olympic program.
Olympic Potential and the Dream Team
Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist-slalom in 2014 and giant slalom in 2018-could compete in four events at the Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics: slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and the new team combined. The team combined format pairs a downhill run by one racer with a slalom run by a teammate, with the combined times determining the outcome.
Last season’s world championships saw Shiffrin and teammate Breezy Johnson claim gold in the team combined event. Their success has raised expectations for a strong American contingent at the upcoming Games.
Lindsey Vonn, who previously campaigned to team with Shiffrin in the combined at the world championships, now faces a renewed opportunity. At 41, Vonn’s strong start this season positions her to help form a skiing “Dream Team” that could dominate the combined event.
Recovery From Two Major Crashes
Shiffrin’s season has been marked by a remarkable recovery from two of the most serious crashes in her career. The first, in Killington, Vermont, left her with significant physical injuries and triggered post-traumatic stress disorder that hampered her performance during the second half of last season. The second, a downhill crash in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, nearly two years ago, forced her to step away from speed events.
Despite these challenges, Shiffrin’s return to top-level competition in slalom, giant slalom, and super-G demonstrates her resilience. Her ability to maintain high performance across multiple disciplines is a testament to her dedication and rigorous training.
Key Takeaways
- Mikaela Shiffrin has won four consecutive World Cup slalom races, averaging a 1.5-second lead.
- She has returned to podium-level form in giant slalom, finishing fourth twice this season, and is targeting a strong super-G performance.
- The upcoming Semmering races will feature both giant slalom and slalom, giving Shiffrin a chance to consolidate her season’s momentum.
Shiffrin’s season underscores a powerful comeback narrative, blending dominance in slalom with a determined pursuit of speed-event success. As she heads toward the Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympics, her versatility and resilience promise an exciting contest for fans and a strong contender for multiple medals.
