In the world of alpine skiing, few names have shone as brightly as Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. However, with Shiffrin’s recent historic 100th World Cup victory, a new chapter in the sport’s history has been written, leaving fans and experts divided over who truly deserves the title of the greatest skier of all time.
The Moment That Shook the Skiing World
On March 10th, 2025, in Åre, Sweden, Shiffrin clinched her 100th World Cup win, becoming the first skier, male or female, to reach this remarkable milestone. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she flawlessly navigated the giant slalom course, leaving her competitors trailing behind.
However, what made this victory even more significant was Shiffrin’s admission of battling a “mind-body disconnect” leading up to the race. The American skier revealed that she had been struggling with mental and physical alignment, making her achievement all the more inspiring.
The Vonn vs. Shiffrin Debate Reignites
Lindsey Vonn, who retired in 2019 with 82 World Cup victories, previously held the record for the most wins by a female skier. For years, Vonn was considered the greatest female alpine skier in history, known for her aggressive style and resilience in the face of injuries.
Shiffrin’s latest victory not only shattered Vonn’s record but also reignited the debate: Is Shiffrin now the undisputed GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in skiing?
Different Paths to Greatness
While Vonn dominated in speed events like downhill and super-G, Shiffrin has excelled in technical disciplines such as slalom and giant slalom. Shiffrin’s versatility across all disciplines and her longevity in the sport have allowed her to surpass Vonn’s numbers.
Vonn, however, faced numerous injuries throughout her career that limited her ability to compete consistently. Some argue that if Vonn had remained injury-free, she could have easily surpassed the 100-win mark herself.
Vonn’s Subtle Shade
In a recent interview, Vonn congratulated Shiffrin on her achievement but subtly hinted that the record doesn’t fully reflect the challenges she faced during her career.
“I’m proud of what Mikaela has accomplished, but I also know what I went through to achieve my 82 wins. Everyone’s journey is different,” Vonn stated, leaving fans to speculate whether this was a hint of jealousy or just honest reflection.
Shiffrin’s Humble Response
In her usual humble manner, Shiffrin deflected the controversy, emphasizing her respect for Vonn’s legacy.
“Lindsey paved the way for me and so many other athletes. I wouldn’t be here without her,” Shiffrin said after her win.
The Fans Are Divided
Social media has exploded with debates between Vonn’s loyal supporters and Shiffrin’s rising fanbase.
Team Vonn: Argues that her dominance in speed events and her ability to come back from devastating injuries make her the true GOAT.
Team Shiffrin: Points to her versatility, mental strength, and now, her unbeatable record, as proof that Shiffrin has officially taken the throne.
The Final Verdict
While numbers don’t lie, the debate over the greatest skier of all time is likely to continue. What is undeniable, however, is that Mikaela Shiffrin has not only made history but also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the sport of alpine skiing.
As Shiffrin’s career is far from over, her record is expected to grow even further, potentially putting the debate to rest once and for all. Until then, the rivalry between these two American legends will continue to fuel the fire of skiing enthusiasts worldwide.