Mikaela Shiffrin Triumphs with Record-Equalling Eighth World Cup Slalom Season Title After Injury Comeback

Ski star Mikaela Shiffrin made a triumphant return from injury after six weeks out of the sport. She won a record-equaling eighth World Cup slalom season title in Åre, Sweden on Sunday.

This victory ties Shiffrin with Lindsey Vonn and Ingemar Stenmark, who also have eight crystal globes each. These trophies are awarded for Alpine skiing World Cup season titles in a single discipline. Marcel Hirscher, an Austrian star, won eight overall season titles during his career, but not in a single discipline.

Shiffrin celebrated her 96th World Cup win, further solidifying her record set in 2023. The 28-year-old clinched victory in Sweden shortly after a scary crash during a downhill race in Italy.

Shiffrin previously told CNN Sport that despite having sprained knee ligaments, she felt fortunate to have sustained minimal damage from the accident.

After securing a victory on Sunday, Shiffrin expressed her gratitude on X (previously known as Twitter) to her entire team for their patience, support, and motivation during this challenging period.

“It could have gone a million different ways, but man I’m thankful that this is the way it went.”

Shiffrin returned to the sport after six weeks out injured.

Shiffrin returned to the sport after six weeks out injured.

Pontus Lundahl/TT News Agency/Reuters

Shiffrin's performance in Sunday's slalom event was impressive, showing no signs of rust as she delivered two lightning quick runs. She clinched the victory with a total time that was 1.24 seconds faster than second-placed Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia and 1.34 seconds ahead of Switzerland's Michelle Gisin in third place.

The win will also provide some relief after a challenging few weeks. As fate would have it, Shiffrin’s boyfriend, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, also experienced a serious incident on the slopes just a few weeks before her own accident.

The Norwegian skier experienced a terrifying accident during a World Cup downhill race in Switzerland. As a result, the two-time Olympic medalist suffered a dislocated shoulder, two torn shoulder ligaments, and a serious laceration on his calf that required urgent surgery due to nerve damage.

Shiffrin quickly went to the hospital to be by his side and stayed with him as he recovered from surgery. They are now supporting each other through their rehabilitation processes. However, Kilde still has a long road ahead before he can even consider returning to the sport.

Kilde took to X on Sunday to congratulate his girlfriend. He praised Shiffrin's skiing skills in a video, expressing his admiration for her talent. "Constantly in awe. I just can’t believe her," he wrote.

CNN’s Matias Grez contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

Mikaela Shiffrin's triumphant return to skiing is a testament to her resilience and determination. After suffering a serious knee injury, she missed six weeks of competition, but returned stronger than ever to secure her eighth World Cup slalom season title, tying the records set by Lindsey Vonn and Ingemar Stenmark. Her impressive performance in the slalom event in Sweden showcased her remarkable talent and unwavering focus, despite the physical and emotional challenges she has faced recently.

Shiffrin's victory is also a symbol of hope and inspiration. Her ability to overcome adversity and continue to perform at the highest level serves as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. Her triumph is not only a personal achievement but also a source of motivation for aspiring athletes and anyone facing challenges in their own lives.