Mikaela Shiffrin is adjusting her race plan for the Alpine season, focusing on slalom, giant slalom, and super-G, as she aims for her 100th World Cup win. After a season of challenges, she is prioritizing speed events while also working to promote greater access and visibility in snow sports through her campaign. The new season begins on October 26 in Sölden, Austria, where she hopes to make her mark in her strongest disciplines.
Mikaela Shiffrin is embarking on a new chapter in her Alpine skiing career, focusing her sights on three pivotal events this coming season as she sets her sights on achieving a monumental milestone: her 100th World Cup victory. After a remarkable nine wins last season, which soared her total to an impressive 97, she’s charted a path concentrating specifically on slalom, giant slalom, and super-G, opting to forgo downhill races altogether this year. The season kicks off in Sölden, Austria, on October 26, and Shiffrin’s focus is clear. At 29, she is no stranger to intense racing; since her World Cup debut in 2011, she has become a household name, known for her slalom and giant slalom prowess. While she dabbled in super-G and downhill events in the latter part of her career, incorporating these fast-paced disciplines has proven a balancing act. Reflecting on her past season, Shiffrin noted the toll that juggling numerous events had on her training. “I sort of didn’t have enough preparation… to really ski the way I wanted to ski,” she admitted candidly, recalling her crash in Cortina in late January, which sidelined her for 11 races. This misstep prompted an introspective look at her training strategy. This summer, she honed her skills without the daunting downhill training, leading to a decisive pivot in her racing plans for this season. Instead of the usual extensive four-day training camps for downhill, Shiffrin has a newfound desire to excel in super-G, reasoning that it allows for a more efficient preparation cycle. “One race takes three to four days with training runs,” she explained, optimizing her time and energy. As she gears up for the season, Shiffrin has her eyes set on competing in nearly all of the nine super-G events scheduled, while not closing the door on downhill just yet, stating, “I don’t want to believe it… would be my last downhill race, because I love it so much.” Her journey is not just about her personal goals. Shiffrin has aligned her campaign for victory No. 100 with a broader mission, collaborating with the Share Winter Foundation to promote greater inclusivity in snow sports. While she acknowledges the significance of reaching 100 wins, she views it as an opportunity to highlight the exciting stories within the sport beyond her impressive tally. The upcoming season promises to be thrilling as she competes in her strongest events first, with a chance to achieve the historic 100 wins at the Thanksgiving weekend World Cup stop in Killington, Vermont. Further, in December, she will race in Beaver Creek, Colorado, which will host women’s World Cup races for the first time since 2013. With world championships in February and finals in March, the spotlight will be on Shiffrin—not just for her quest for centennial glory, but also for her evolution as an athlete determined to balance passion and career amidst challenges. In personal news, she recently got engaged to fellow skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, whose recovery from a severe injury has also inspired her. As she enters this new season, Shiffrin is adamant about not setting rigid goals. Rather, she embraces an adaptable approach, stating, “Now I’m just like, do the best I can. Hopefully, that includes some victories, and we’ll see.”
Mikaela Shiffrin, one of the leading figures in Alpine skiing, is famous for her incredible accomplishments, including breaking the career wins record in the World Cup. Known for her prowess in slalom and giant slalom, Shiffrin has also ventured into speed events like super-G and downhill. The narrative surrounding her 100th career win is more than just personal achievement; it symbolizes a milestone in the sport, showcasing the challenges athletes face balancing diverse events while managing physical and mental demands.
Mikaela Shiffrin is poised for a transformative season, honing her focus on slalom, giant slalom, and super-G as she aims for her 100th World Cup victory. This strategic shift stems from a desire to optimize her training and recovery after last season’s challenges. With a commitment to not only her goals but also to promoting inclusivity in snow sports, Shiffrin’s upcoming races in her strongest events set the stage for a spectacular season ahead. Her journey intertwines personal aspirations and the growth of the sport itself, casting a spotlight on the vibrancy of winter athletics.
Original Source: www.nbcsports.com
