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Can Mikaela Shiffrin reclaim her throne after last season's setback? What are your predictions?

It’s that time of year again—Mikaela Shiffrin is ready to dazzle fans with her extraordinary skills as she gears up for the FIS Ski World Cup season opener. The competition kicks off on October 26 in Soelden, Austria, home of the giant slalom. This time, there’s a lot more for spectators to look forward to, as Shiffrin sets her sights on unfinished business from last season, inching closer to the 100th World Cup mark.

Last time around, she was cruising with 9 victories, winning her eighth slalom globe like the phenom she is. But then came the curveball—January’s gnarly crash in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which also happens to be the venue for the next Winter Olympics. Due to injuries from that wipeout, she had to sit out a chunk of the season’s races, leaving her in third overall. Not exactly the fairy tale ending, but this 2024/2025 alpine ski World Cup season? She’s ready for a comeback with a vengeance, much like a Marvel superhero!

Mikaela Shiffrin’s already giving fans a sneak peek of her epic return, flexing some fresh gear on Instagram ahead of the FIS Ski World Cup. Teaming up with Oakley—her partner since 2013—Shiffrin’s debuting their new #FlexScape eyewear. It’s a slick combo of part goggles, part glasses, and fully next-level. Oakley’s tagline says it all: “#FlexScape – First of its kind. Half goggles, half glasses. Full Oakley.” These wraparound shades are all about that ultimate fit and offer a wide field of view.  And Shiffrin?

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She’s been rocking the futuristic shades in her latest photos, causing a stir among fans. One even joked, “A new Marvel character? One with skiing superpowers.🤔😁” With that superhero vibe and the season she’s about to have, they’re not wrong! These shades look like they’re straight out of a Marvel blockbuster, ready to take on whatever the mountain throws at her.

 

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For the 29-year-old queen of the slopes, there’s a lot on the line this season. Mikaela Shiffrin is already a legend in World Cup skiing, topping the charts with an impressive win total. Last season, she wrapped things up at 97 victories, and now she’s eyeing that milestone 100—no pressure, right?

But that’s not all. She’s also on the verge of overtaking her former teammate, Lindsey Vonn, for the record of the most small globes in a single discipline. Both women currently sit at 8, combining slalom and downhill wins, so it’s going to be an exciting showdown! Meanwhile, Shiffrin’s fans are all about her new look, lighting up social media with their support and enthusiasm.

What’s your perspective on:

Can Mikaela Shiffrin reclaim her throne after last season's setback? What are your predictions?

Have an interesting take?

For her fans, Mikaela Shiffrin seems to be an amalgamation of many superhero characters 

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Fans were caught off guard by this stylish reveal and quickly took to social media to share their thoughts. Mikaela Shiffrin’s latest eyewear is turning heads with its standout design! According to Oakley, they’ve packed in some seriously cool features: single-layer anti-fog lenses for crystal-clear vision—so no more fogging up when you’re flying down the mountain! Plus, there’s a removable fleece-lined gasket to keep moisture at bay, ensuring comfort no matter the weather. One clever commenter compared the shades to the ones worn by DC’s Catwoman, dubbing them “Catwoman-ish!!”

While we can definitely see the sleek vibes, Shiffrin’s goggles are in a league of their own. Another fan chimed in, saying, “This will bring back the under-the-helmet goggles sty to the mainstream again.” Talk about a style revival! This trend has always been part of the style quotient but never quite made it into the mainstream. However, after Shiffrin’s launch, it might just fill that void!

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And let’s not forget that one fan called the goggles “a very sleek look.” Now that’s a fitting description! With their superior fit and expanded field of view, these wraparound shades are ready to flex, whether it’s a sunny bluebird day or an après-ski hangout.

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As for the marketing prospects? Someone humorously noted, “Those are going to sell as well as a tuna pie.” And if you didn’t know, tuna pie is quite the winter favorite! Coincidentally, Shiffrin will be back this winter, chasing that daunting goal of 100 wins. Will she achieve it? And what do you think of her latest eye gear? Let us know!