The 2023–24 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup has taken on the 9th phase of its coveted tour. Cancellations, compelling rivalry, and harsh weather have all found their way to the World Cup’s persisting season. And just as the tour proceeds without a smooth sail, the industry’s icon, Mikaela Shiffrin seems to have found herself on a roller coaster of a ride as well. However, the recent one looks to have brought a smile brighter for the Olympian.

Mikaela Shiffrin is often reckoned with the pronunciation of Alpine Skiing. The 28-year-old has secured 91 victories across six disciplines over the years, making her the skier with the most World Cup wins. Today, the 2-time Olympic gold medalist is yet again on the path to increasing the number with the tour’s arrival at Schlossberg, Lienz.

Mikaela Shiffrin clinches the podium finish

The 2023/24 Alpine Skiing World Cup recently reached the Lienz for the ninth leg. For the first day of the stop, the event brought Giant Slalom and the live event shows Mikaela Shiffrin going all in. Clocking the time at 1:01.82, Shiffrin claimed the 1st round victory. The skiing champion was further followed by Sweden’s GS Olympic Champion, Hector Sara, with a mere difference of 0.63.

“When I came through the finish, I didn’t expect it would be this much ahead, so I’m really happy with that. I’m happy with the skiing. I felt very strong, but I think, maybe, it’s one of those runs, it doesn’t happen that often,” Shiffrin said. The win on the Schlossberg slope follows the Olympian’s 3 other wins this season. Two of the victories on the list arrive in Slalom, a domain major to Mikaela Shiffrin. However, the Olympian has been met with a compelling rival in the course blocking her chance twice out of 4-times.

A rivalry worthy to watch

Mikaela Shiffrin and Petra Vlhova have long held a healthy rivalry in Slalom. However, this season, with numbers split equally in half, the watch has been an interesting one. Last week at the slalom race in Courchevel, France, it was Vlhova atop the podium, denying Shiffrin’s fourth win. Though the latter had a 0.17 lead initially, a slowdown on the last course cost her a 0.24-second loss to Vlhova. “It’s an honor for me to ski with her and of course, it’s difficult because she’s often in front…” Vlhova previously told the Olympics.

Also Read: Putting Rivalry Aside, Mikaela Shiffrin Drops Truth of Skiing With Petra Vlhova at Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2023/24

The icon further also revealed that their rivarly has only pushed them towards betterment. And visibly so. With a persistent marvel, while Mikaela Shiffrin has maintained the top spot in World Standings with 700 points, Vlhova follows with 491 at 3rd.

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