Mikaela Shiffrin claims record-extending 85th Alpine World Cup title at Spindleruv Mlyn in Czech Republic

BySam Rooke

Updated 28/01/2023 at 13:13 GMT

Mikaela Shiffrin's sensational Alpine Skiing World Cup season continues with an 85th title at Czech ski resort Spindleruv Mlyn. The American is now just one behind the all-time record, held by Norway’s Ingemar Stenmark. It was at Spindleruv Mlyn that Shiffrin first entered a World Cup race - as a 15-year-old in 2011 - and she will have the chance to claim a record-equalling 86th title on Sunday.

Mikaela Shiffrin claims a record-extending 85th World Cup win after seeing off German rival Lena Duerr by 0.60 seconds overall at Czech resort town Spindleruv Mlyn.

Shiffrin had already added two World Cup titles to her bulging trophy case this week, but after a blistering first run on Saturday, she seemed poised to do it again.

The American finished the first round as the overall leader, with Duerr 0.29 seconds back, while Slovakian Petra Vlhova was another half second behind. Swiss Wendy Holdener was just about in contention too, 1.13 seconds behind Shiffrin.

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On the second run of the day, the track had softened up and speed was at a premium. First down the mountain on the second round was Croatian Zrinka Ljutic who dropped 2.42 seconds against her first run.

It would have required a remarkable second run for anyone outside the top four to threaten victory, and none could deliver. However, Italian Anita Gulli produced a sharp performance, blasting through the third sector at serious pace to take temporary possession of the lead.

'I knew I would take some risks' - Shiffin after her 85th World Cup win at Spindleruv Mlyn

Czech Martina Dubovska also impressed as did Holdener while American Paula Moltzan almost beat her first run with a rapid second attempt.

Moltzan, Vlhova, Holdener and Duerr each took successive possession of the overall lead after their second runs, but everyone on the mountain was waiting for Shiffrin.

The American was near perfect on her second descent, equalling Croatian Leona Popovic with the fastest time of the second round (45.66 seconds), more than good enough to secure overall victory.

Shiffrin both broke and extended the all-time record earlier this week in Kronplatz, but a punishing schedule meant another chance at a trophy today.

The 27-year-old remains humble though. Speaking after her midweek heroics, she argued that despite her record, compatriot Lindsey Vonn remains her superior in the eyes of many.

Vonn, retired since 2019, held the all-time women's record until Shiffrin passed her this week.

Shiffrin said: “Take the number 83 and technically yes that's more than any other woman but there will always be a huge fan base that believes that Lindsey is the greatest female skier of all-time.

"People say undisputed but I say it is disputable. I don't think that is something that I can surpass, I don't know if I ever will."

• Mikaela Shiffrin isn’t quite sure of her status as the sport’s Greatest Of All Time.
• Shiffrin says lunch with Roger Federer was key to relighting her career
• Sweden's Ebba Andersson marks World Cup comeback in style with gold in Les Rousses

Norway’s Ingemar Stenmark still holds the all-time record with 86 titles, set in the 1980s.

The American also sits well clear of the chasing pack in the overall World Cup standings, with 1617 points, 651 points ahead of nearest rival Vlhova.

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