Shiffrin sets record with 156th World Cup podium, finishes 3rd in slalom won by Austria’s Truppe
Mikaela Shiffrin may have missed out on a slalom win in Åre, Sweden on Sunday, but she did manage to achieve an all-time World Cup record with her 156th podium finish. Despite leading after the first run, Shiffrin struggled in the second run and ultimately finished in third place, just 0.19 seconds behind the surprising winner, Katharina Truppe. Katharina Liensberger took the second spot, trailing just 0.05 seconds behind her Austrian teammate who secured her first ever World Cup win at the age of 29.
In the finish area, Shiffrin graciously congratulated Truppe and Liensberger, dubbing the day as “Katharina Day.” This 156th podium finish in Shiffrin’s career breaks a tie with the legendary Swedish skier, Ingemar Stenmark. Shiffrin has also surpassed Stenmark’s record for all-time wins, now boasting 100 victories compared to his 86.
Shiffrin’s chances at a ninth career season-long slalom title were slim, but she needed a win in this race to stay in contention. Unfortunately, she fell short after missing four races due to a serious crash earlier in the season. Canadian skier Amelia Smart finished in 25th place among the 27 skiers who completed both runs, finishing 2.48 seconds off the pace.
With Olympic champion Petra Vlhova out for the season due to a knee injury, the race for the World Cup title is wide open. The season-ending slalom in Sun Valley, Idaho on March 27 will see four skiers ahead of Shiffrin vying for the crystal globe trophy. Title contenders Zrinka Ljutic and Camille Rast both finished below their best form in this race, placing 10th and 11th respectively. Ljutic currently leads Rast in the slalom standings by 41 points and could secure the title with a top-three finish.
The competition is fierce with Liensberger and Holdener also in the running for the title. The battle for the World Cup title is heating up, and all eyes will be on Sun Valley for the thrilling conclusion to the season.
