The world of ski racing was left stunned in February 2025 by a rift that no one saw coming—the fallout between two of the sport’s greatest icons, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. With over 180 combined World Cup wins, the two American superstars once shared a bond of mutual admiration. In 2022, Vonn herself predicted that Shiffrin would surpass her record of 82 World Cup victories and become “the greatest skier in history.” In response, Shiffrin expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling Vonn’s words “very meaningful.” But by February 2025, everything changed. Something caused the once-supportive duo to drift apart—an incident that shook the ski racing community to its core. (We’ll dive into that fiery clash later.) Yet, just when fans were beginning to lose hope of reconciliation, a glimmer of warmth emerged.
On March 27, during the ongoing World Cup ski racing season finale, Vonn stunned everyone with a gesture that no one expected. It happened shortly after Mikaela Shiffrin’s spectacular performance- her 101st World Cup win. But it wasn’t just her result that made headlines. It was Vonn’s reaction.
Lindsey Vonn shows her effort to melt down the ice
The tension between Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin seemed to be thawing—and then came a moment that made the ski world believe that reconciliation was truly on the horizon. On March 27, 2025, Lindsey Vonn subtly extended an olive branch. She re-shared a post from the US Ski Team on her Instagram story—a celebratory photo of the team posing together after their triumph at the Women’s World Cup finals in Sun Valley. The ski racers, grinning with arms around one another, were basking in the glory of their remarkable season. But it wasn’t just the photo that caught everyone’s attention—it was Vonn’s caption: “Congrats Mikaela, Paula and the whole @usskiteam for an amazing year!! And an amazing WC finals. @sunvalley.” A simple congratulations? Not quite. It was a simple attempt to mend fences with Shiffrin. After weeks of public tension and swirling rumors, Vonn’s message felt like a quiet but meaningful peace offering. Yet, as fans were still buzzing about Vonn’s gesture, Shiffrin made headlines of her own, with a performance that demanded to be shouted from the mountaintops.
On Thursday (March 27), Mikaela Shiffrin once again reminded the world why she is the greatest skier of all time. Racing on a grueling World Cup course, the 30-year-old faced bumpy terrain, technical glitches, and unforgiving conditions. But none of it could break her. With unwavering determination, she laid down the fastest time in the first run, carving through the tricky slope with pinpoint precision. In the second run, she remained ice cold. No nerves, no overexcitement—just pure focus. With a combined finishing time of 1:45.92, Shiffrin claimed her 101st World Cup victory, capping off a season that tested her like no other. But this was no easy season. It began with back-to-back slalom victories, where she looked poised to dominate. But fate had other plans.
A brutal injury midway through the season left Mikaela sidelined, forcing her to miss four of the ten scheduled races. For most athletes, that would have spelled disaster. But not Shiffrin. She came back with a vengeance, each race a testament to her resilience. With every turn, every carve, she proved once again why she is the most dominant skier the sport has ever seen. And watching from afar, just as she had predicted three years earlier, was Lindsey Vonn. The very woman who once declared, “She [Mikaela] will become the greatest skier in history.” Now, Vonn was there to celebrate her prophecy coming true. Such a full-circle moment for the two of them! But what put a rift between them in February?
The unexpected rift that caused tremors
Back in January 2025, Lindsey Vonn was eager to team up with Mikaela Shiffrin for a new combined event at the Alpine World Championships—a race featuring two specialists competing as a team. Since her retirement in 2019, it could have been their first-ever pairing, making Vonn’s excitement well-founded. However, it never happened.
To begin with, Shiffrin was battling with immense mental health battles following her Killington crash, and that caused the skiing legend to opt out of the Giant Slalom race in Saalbach. She, however, made a phenomenal return at the Team combined event on 11th February, paired with fellow American skier, Breezy Johnson. The two registered a combined time of 2:40.89, thereby clinching gold in downhill. Although a phenomenal moment for the American skiing fraternity, Lindsey Vonn, who had previously expressed her desire to team up with Shiffrin, was not too happy to be sidelined. The 40-year-old expressed her disappointment through pointed remarks. What could have been a historic pairing turned into a missed opportunity, straining their relationship. But this story is not a sad one.
Last week, Lindsey Vonn made history by finishing second at the Super-G event of the World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho. Her first podium finish since her return. The Olympic champion’s win was iconic for several reasons. She became the oldest person to secure a podium finish at the Women’s World Cup. Moreover, she did it all following multiple injuries and surgeries. Vonn’s achievement also held sentimental value for her- she had a host of naysayers constantly reminding her that she is too old and unfit to compete against younger skiers, but Vonn wouldn’t budge. “It’s been a rough season of people saying that I can’t, that I’m too old, that I’m not good enough anymore. I think I proved everyone wrong.” To make things even better, Vonn now wants to move past everything bitter and bask in the celebration that truly was made possible by the collective efforts of every single skier of Team USA. Hence her attempts to reconcile with Mikaela Shiffrin. Honestly, we are here for it!
The post Moving Past the Rift, Lindsey Vonn Sends Strong Message to Mikaela Shiffrin & Co. After Their Triumphant Skiing Season Finale appeared first on EssentiallySports.