U.S. skier Mikaela Shiffrin wins record 83rd World Cup race

In San Vigilio di Marebbe, Italy on Tuesday January 24, 2023, American skier Mikaela Shiffrin won a record 83rd World Cup race Tuesday in the skiing giant slalom. Her victory broke a tie on the women’s career list with former American teammate Lindsey Vonn. Lindsey retired four years ago after a spate of  injuries cut her career short.

According to Mikaela, “I don’t think there are words to explain all the feelings. In the end of it, it’s like there’s too much excitement to feel. I don’t know if that makes sense. So it’s something you can’t explain. So I just try to breathe a bit and enjoy it.”

WHat is ahead for Mikaela? She only  needs more race victories to tie with Ingemar Stenmark’s overall win total — in men’s or women’s events — 86 victories. Ingemar is a Swedish former World Cup alpine ski racer. He is regarded as one of the most prominent Swedish athletes ever. Ingemar competed from 1974 to 1989. Interestingly, Ingemar competed against Phil Mahre of the United States during this time. While prolific in his own right, Phil only managed a total of 27 victories in his career – putting him fourth, all-time of victories for U. S. skiers.

The best part of this is that Mikaela Shiffrin is still only 27. Lindsey Vonn was already 33 when she won her last World Cup event, and Ingemar Stenmark was 32.

After a short break, Shiffrin will then again be a multi-medal threat at the world championship in Courchevel and Meribel, France, which start Feb. 6.