Mikaela Shiffrin, the American alpine skiing superstar, is poised to make history as she kicks off the new season, aiming to become the first athlete to reach 100 victories in World Cup skiing. At just 29 years old, Shiffrin ended the previous season with an impressive 97 wins, surpassing the long-held record of 86 victories by the legendary Swedish skier Ingemar Stenmark. In a recent interview with Eurosport, she expressed her unwavering passion for the sport, stating, “I feel like I still have so much to give and achieve in skiing.”
Shiffrin also shared her excitement about the current narrative surrounding the sport, emphasizing the many stories worth telling beyond her own journey. As she gears up for this season, her enthusiasm is palpable, and she believes that if she remains in peak condition, reaching the 100-win milestone could elevate the excitement and interest in ski racing as a whole.
In a noteworthy turn of events, Marcel Hirscher, another skiing icon, is set to make a comeback after retiring five years ago. The Austrian, who boasts 67 World Cup victories along with multiple Olympic and World Championship titles, will be competing for the Netherlands this season, donning their orange colors instead of his native red and white. This unique situation has drawn mixed reactions; while it may be bittersweet for fans in Austria, it is a thrilling opportunity for the Dutch ski federation, which has welcomed him with open arms.
Hirscher’s decision to represent the Netherlands stems from personal connections, as it is the birthplace of his mother. Reflecting on his return, he expressed his joy in participating in races again, saying, “It was so much fun, and I thought, why not ski for the Netherlands for a year?” Although he recognizes the challenges ahead, he remains hopeful, even if he considers aiming for a top-15 finish as an ambitious target given his time away from competition.
Meanwhile, Shiffrin’s closest competitor, Petra Vlhova, will be absent from the opening race in Soelden. The Slovak skier is focusing on her recovery after undergoing knee surgery, emphasizing her desire to return fully healthy. “It’s been a tough journey, but my knee is in good condition now,” Vlhova remarked. She is determined to regain her strength and competitive edge, highlighting the importance of not rushing her comeback.
As the alpine skiing season unfolds, all eyes will be on Shiffrin’s pursuit of that historic 100th victory, as well as Hirscher’s unexpected return. Both athletes represent the spirit of resilience and passion in the sport, promising a thrilling season ahead for skiing fans around the world.