Skiing was always more than just a sport for Mikaela Shiffrin—it was a bond, a shared love with her father that shaped her entire life. That’s what made it so incredibly painful when she lost him in 2020, a heartbreak so deep that she considered walking away from the slopes forever. But grief has a way of changing over time, and eventually, she found her way back, channeling her emotions into the one thing that had always given her purpose. On February 23, that journey led her to history, as she became the first female skier to win 100 World Cup races, a feat that cements her place as one of the greatest to ever carve through the snow. Winning in Sestriere, Italy, the 2-time Olympic gold medalist added another chapter to her legacy, a number that not only reflects dominance but also the resilience and passion that kept her moving forward even when her heart felt heavy. Yet to truly understand the significance of this moment, we need to go back to where it all began—where a little girl in a purple racing suit fell in love with the mountains and never looked back. Mikaela’s story didn’t start with a trophy or a finish line; it started with a tiny four-year-old learning to balance on skis in her driveway, her parents insisting she master technique before she could experience the real thrill of the mountain. When she finally got her first taste of true powder, it didn’t go as smoothly as one might expect from a future legend—she tumbled, disappearing completely into the snow, with only her little legs sticking out like a cartoon character in an avalanche. She thought she might be stuck forever, but then, strong hands lifted her out of the snow, and she looked up to see her father laughing. That moment, that unshakable presence of the man who would be her biggest supporter, was the foundation of everything that followed. He called her “Neon” and gave her the kind of advice that didn’t just make her a better skier—it made her love skiing even more. It was his words, his quiet confidence in her ability, that transformed her from a kid who felt trapped in the snow to one who never wanted to leave it. That love never faded, even after his passing, and it’s what carried her through the hardest moments of her career. When she crossed the finish line for her 100th victory, she wasn’t just winning for herself—she was winning for the little girl in the purple suit, for the father who gave her the confidence to chase greatness, and for the love of a sport that had given her everything. Even with all the accolades, Mikaela has never been one to focus on records, admitting that she never set out to be the best of all time, only to be the best she could be in any given moment. And yet, here she is—at 29 years old, standing alone at the top with a milestone that once seemed unthinkable. The significance of it all is even greater when considering what she overcame in the months leading up to it. In December 2024, a frightening accident on the slopes left her with a deep wound, forcing her to step away from competition. Many assumed she would be sidelined for far longer, but Mikaela defied expectations, returning by mid-January, determined to prove that setbacks could never define her. Even she was surprised by how quickly she reached the 100-win mark, admitting that just competing again felt like a victory in itself. But that’s the essence of Mikaela Shiffrin—she turns obstacles into fuel, channeling pain into progress, always finding a way to push forward. With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, there’s no sign of her slowing down. She has already rewritten history, but if there’s one thing we know about her, it’s that she’s far from finished.
Bookmarks