MERIBEL, France – American skier Mikaela Shiffrin clinched the gold medal in the women’s giant slalom at the world championships on Thursday, marking her first gold medal at the event. Shiffrin’s win came just two days after her unexpected split with a long-time coach, Mike Day, who left her team in the middle of the championships.
Shiffrin secured her victory by overcoming a mistake near the end of the race, holding onto her first-run lead. After seeing her time, she collapsed onto the snow in relief and celebration, before being congratulated by Italian skier Federica Brignone and Ragnhild Mowinckel of Norway, who won silver and bronze respectively.
The win was Shiffrin’s seventh world title and 13th medal overall from 16 career world championship races. It also makes her only the fourth female skier to win world titles in four different disciplines, adding to her previous wins in slalom, super-G, and combined.
Shiffrin’s victory is especially remarkable given her recent personal struggles, having split with her coach of seven years, Mike Day, just two days prior. Shiffrin informed Day of her plans to take a new direction with her staff at the end of the season, leading to Day’s sudden departure.
In a post-race interview, Shiffrin thanked Day for his support throughout her career, adding, “It’s been definitely some high levels of stress these days. It was very, very difficult today to keep the focus and keep the intensity on the right level.” Despite the challenges, Shiffrin’s victory marks her 85th overall win and her 12th victory of the season, bringing her within one of the overall record set by Swedish skier Ingemar Stenmark in the 1970s and 80s.
Shiffrin’s last race at the World is the slalom on Saturday. Her victory in the giant slalom demonstrates her determination and focus, despite the unexpected obstacles she has faced. With this win, Shiffrin solidifies her place among the greatest skiers of all time.
