Mikaela Shiffrin's rivals salute her historic Alpine Skiing World Cup victory - ‘An inspiration’ and ‘incredible’

ByNigel Chiu

Updated 24/01/2023 at 15:20 GMT

Mikaela Shiffrin’s rivals have been saluting her “incredible” victory in Kronplatz which saw her become the most successful female skier of all-time. Tessa Worley, Marta Bassino and Nina O’Brien all spoke to Eurosport about the “inspirational” Shiffrin, who is now just three wins behind Ingemar Stenmark’s record of 86 World Cup wins, which is the most for any skier in the sport’s history.

Four-time world champion Tessa Worley led the tributes to Mikaela Shiffrin’s historic 83rd Alpine Skiing World Cup victory, after the American's win in Kronplatz saw her become the most successful female skier of all-time.

Shiffrin is closing in on Ingemar Stenmark’s record of 86 victories, which is the record for any skier, male or female in the sport’s history.

The 27-year-old could equal that number this week with three technical events to come before a break ahead of the World Championships in February.

Åre

Shiffrin marks return from injury by sealing slalom crystal globe

10/03/2024 at 20:04

“Everyone knew it was going to happen,” Worley, who has been one of Shiffrin’s biggest rivals in giant slalom for the last decade, told Eurosport.

“What I like is that she’s doing it with manner, she goes to the race and wins the first run and goes to win the race.

“It’s a good image for the sport and women’s Alpine skiers. She’s still doing amazing things. It’s an inspiration for us to keep going.

“We made it a little hard [for her] sometimes. So we have got to keep doing this and that’s what makes the level so high and interesting.”

'Stressful, peaceful, nervous, excited!' - Shiffrin on range of emotions after record win

Shiffrin’s win also gives her a 49-point lead over Marta Bassino going into the second giant slalom in Kronplatz on Wednesday.

Bassino was lost for words when trying to describe what Shiffrin has achieved in the sport.

“She’s really incredible, a great athlete, I always admire Mikaela,” she said.

“I don’t know how to explain it but she’s really amazing, almost like, perfect. So inspiring.”

• ‘No words to explain all the feelings’ – Shiffrin on record-breaking 83rd World Cup victory
• Ryding claims podium in Kitzbuhel slaom as Yule storms to victory

American Nina O’Brien sees Shiffrin most days during the World Cup season and has previously stated she and her team-mates learn a lot from the 27-year-old.

On Shiffrin’s record, she said: “I just feel so lucky to be her team-mate in this era and watching history every day. It’s a lot of fun and she’s really supportive as well.”

- - -

Stream the 2022-23 Alpine Skiing World Cup live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk.

Åre

'Are likely to be the target' - Shiffrin focusing on slalom and giant slalom return

15/02/2024 at 09:40

Alpine Skiing

Gut-Behrami leapfrogs Shiffrin in Alpine Ski World Cup standings with third straight victory

10/02/2024 at 20:53

Soldeu

Shiffrin rules out Andorra return and addresses 'staggering' number of injuries

08/02/2024 at 10:17