“I’m mentally blocked in being able to get to the next level of pace and speed and putting power into the turns.” Mikaela Shiffrin’s words in February 2025 revealed more than just a moment of self-doubt, they pointed to a battle with PTSD following a brutal injury months earlier. In November 2024, she was on the verge of her 100th World Cup victory in Killington, Vermont. Leading after the first run, she looked set to secure the milestone. But midway through her second run, she clipped a gate, crashed into the netting, and was stretchered off with a deep puncture wound and severe muscle trauma. January in Courchevel was about getting her footing back, shaking off the doubt. Then, in February, she made history in Sestriere, becoming the first skier to reach 100 wins. Now, as the season wraps up, Shiffrin has something to say.
Shiffrin’s season came to an end with one final masterclass in the 2024/25 FIS World Cup Alpine Ski season. 30-year-old American conquered the warm, challenging conditions on Sun Valley’s Greyhawk course last Thursday, clinching her fourth victory of the season and extending her record-breaking career wins to 101. The victory was particularly meaningful as it brought her to a full circle moment, since the early-season doubts had given way to championship form, and Shiffrin capped it off in style. Despite the rough conditions, she led after the first run with a 0.59-second advantage and then extended it to over a full second in the final standings. Germany’s Lena Duerr secured second, while Slovenia’s Andreja Slokar, who clocked the fastest time in the second run, claimed third.
Then came her Instagram post. “A rollercoaster-thrill-of-a-season indeed… you made this finale so special, Sun Valley,” Shiffrin wrote, reflecting on the journey. Continuing further she wrote “Thank you to all of the fans, organizers and course workers for bringing so much energy and enthusiasm to the day.”
Her words were paired with a carousel of photos along with short videos, each revealing a different shade of emotion: a joyful close-up of her laughing, hands pressed together in delight; another showed her socializing in a black turtleneck, glass in hand; while action shots displayed her technical brilliance in her blue racing suit and Barilla helmet as she navigated the slalom gates with precision. Breathtaking stuff, isn’t it?
The most telling photograph showed the three medalists—Shiffrin, Duerr, and Slokar—celebrating together, their bibs numbered 2, 7, and 15 respectively, arms raised in shared accomplishment against the backdrop of Sun Valley’s mountains. What a fitting end to an incredible season! “I’m so grateful that my own journey led me to be able to cap off the season with that race, and to share it with a team who has worked their tails off in order to make that possible,” Shiffrin wrote, she also added congratulations for Lena Duerr and Andreja Slokar for a podium finish and also a special mention to Slovenia’s Zrinka Ljutić for securing the slalom globe. “That was SO cool to witness, Zrinka.” And honestly? We couldn’t agree more!
Mikaela Shiffrin caps off a successful season after an early setback
Mikaela Shiffrin’s 2024/25 season wasn’t her most dominant, but it was one of her most meaningful. After a November crash in a giant slalom race sidelined her for two months, she had to approach this season differently. “Normally, we base our progress off the result of a race,” she told USA Today Sports. “But coming back from this injury, we’ve had to sort of separate from the result entirely.” Shiffrin had won 14 World Cup races in 2023 and nine in 2024, but injuries took their toll this season. She managed just three wins but what wins they were.
Her first race back on January 30 in Courchevel was a reality check. She finished 10th, 2.04 seconds behind winner Zrinka Ljutic. But just two weeks later, she claimed her 15th World Championship medal, tying the all-time record, as she and Breezy Johnson won gold in the inaugural team combined event.
Then came February 23 which was history in itself. Shiffrin claimed her 100th World Cup victory in Sestriere, becoming the first skier, male or female, to reach the milestone. A month later, she added her 101st in Sun Valley! Hence proving that even in a challenging year, she could still deliver when it mattered.
She didn’t win the slalom globe as Ljutic took that honor but this season wasn’t about titles. It was about resilience, about coming back after injury, and about showing why she remains the most successful skier in World Cup history.
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