Ahead of 94th Career Win, Mikaela Shiffrin Relives Skiing Accident That Defined Her as 6YO

It’s Mikaela Shiffrin, the alpine queen, who has all the eyes fixated on her triumphant return. Since missing the Altеnmarkt Zauchеnsее was not one of her primary plans, she did it anyway, therefore prioritizing health. According to recent news, the 28-year-old had resorted to her social media to announce her comeback. But most importantly, what brought the world to her feet was her most coveted win.

Sitting out on her 100 WC win might have made her fans impatient, but the Flachau, Austria slalom win cemented her name in their hearts and the World Cup annals of history. Taking a brief break for the “last three days” was like a rollercoaster. But amid the Audi FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup 2023/24, she got in a reminiscent tête-à-tête on a bygone accident and her contributing modus operandi to push through.

Mikaela Shiffrin’s accident in the past is a portent of trauma for her

Having officially started skiing at age 8, Shiffrin later trained at Burke Mountain Academy in East Burke, Vermont. It’s no surprise that the slopy locations of Vermont are closer to her heart. Her comradeship with skiing struck when she was 6, but the start wasn’t good after all. Longines, the brand that takes pride in Mikaela Shiffrin being their brand partner, caught the Olympian for a candid chat. Captioned the video as “Elegance meets determination with Longines Ambassador @mikaelashiffrin”. With her skiing video playing simultaneously, Shiffrin said, “When I was about six years old, I had my first ski race. I was through the finish…fully knocked the wind out of me”.

“And I went up and skied again in the next run”. This clincher of a statement was what had Longines spellbound. That was the first bump. Fast forward to now, the ongoing World Cup season is also nothing short of any synonym for bumpy. But what is making us admire her more? Her magnificent renaissance.

Shiffrin’s ’emotional win’ made headlines like no other

Being the pillar of strength for her injured boyfriend to dealing with her health challenges, the 2x Olympic gold medalist has had a rough couple of days. But to Shiffrin, tying with Ingemar Stenmark’s 81 slalom record held importance too. But what’s more interesting? She’s soon to tie or even best the Swedish virtuoso’s record 155 career podiums since she’s already at 148.

READ MORE: As Mikaela Shiffrin Sits Out on Competition, Swiss Rival Dominates Alpine Skiing World Cup 2023/24

Reaching her 94th WC win was emotional for the Olympian. “I either could be with Alex right now, or I could come race. And I thought if I come race, then nothing to lose, you know. It’s one of those evenings that you just feel like now we push, don’t leave something on the hill…” Cognizant of everything going around, Longines was right when they mentioned that she’s the epitome of determination.

Watch this story: 7x Skiing World Champion Mikaela Shiffrin’s Intense Workout Routine Challenges Michael B. Jordan’s ‘Creed’ Physique