At the World Cup finals in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, Mikaela Shiffrin secured her 60th win in slalom and 97th overall, capping off a season marked by a six-week injury layoff. The American skier, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained in January, made a remarkable comeback to clinch the season-ending slalom title.
Shiffrin, who had already secured her eighth slalom season title last week, trailed behind Anna Swenn Larsson of Sweden after the first run but managed to clinch victory by 0.54 seconds ahead of Mina Fuerst Holtmann of Norway. Swenn Larsson finished in third place, 0.63 seconds behind Shiffrin.
Reflecting on her tumultuous season, Shiffrin expressed her joy at ending on a high note and her anticipation for the upcoming season. Despite her injury setbacks, Shiffrin's determination and resilience shone through as she celebrated her historic win.
With key competitors Petra Vlhova and Wendy Holdener sidelined with injuries, Shiffrin dominated the slalom events this season, winning a total of seven races and extending her career tally to an unprecedented 60 victories in the discipline.
Shiffrin, who turned 29 recently, announced that the slalom race would be her final event of the season, opting to skip the remaining races to focus on recovery and preparation for the next season.
Shiffrin's coach Karin Harjo set the challenging course for the first run, where Swenn Larsson initially held the lead. However, Shiffrin's exceptional skiing skills and determination propelled her to victory, showcasing her unwavering commitment to excellence.
As the World Cup finals continue, all eyes are now on the upcoming giant slalom race, where Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami holds a 95-point lead over Italian contender Federica Brignone. The competition promises to deliver more thrilling moments as the season draws to a close.
Shiffrin's remarkable achievements and resilience in the face of adversity have solidified her status as one of the greatest skiers of her generation, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike with her unwavering passion for the sport.
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