Federer, Maier, Giradelli: Legends pay homage to Shiffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin made skiing history with her 100th World Cup victory. After this milestone, not only her fans were at the American's feet, but also legends such as Roger Federer, Hermann Maier and Marc Giradelli.

24. February 2025

From: never

Whether you are a simple observer or a die-hard fan, in the world of sport there is all too often a tendency to equate certain achievements with historical events and to let the protagonists responsible for them rise to the status of Olympic gods. And on Sunday, that happened again: Mikaela Shiffrin bagged her 100th World Cup victory in the slalom in Sestriere – a previously unattainable mark. The American herself burst into tears, the hymns of praise were not long in coming.

"100 victories is an extraordinary milestone," Austrian skiing legend Hermann Maier was quoted as saying in a statement by the world association FIS. "And not just in the history of alpine skiing. This incredible achievement is also a historic event in the entire sporting world." As already mentioned, when it comes to hymns of praise, it is easy to cross boundaries. But in Shiffrin's case, Maier was right.

Federer: “These numbers are absolutely crazy”

Roger Federer, a tennis great, also spoke up. "I'm so happy for you," said the 20-time Grand Slam winner, who has set several records himself in the course of his career. "I've been following you for so long and these numbers are absolutely crazy. I couldn't be happier for you. I'm a huge fan of yours." At the end of his message, he had a little tip for Shiffrin. "Remember: time goes by so quickly and unfortunately these moments never come again - make the most of it, enjoy the party."

Mikaela Shiffrin beams after her triumph in Sestriere. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

Franz Klammer, who also experienced numerous highs during his illustrious career, has long since retired. The 71-year-old has collected an Olympic gold medal, two world championship titles and five downhill crystal globes, but in terms of World Cup victories the Austrian has "only" won 26 - just under a quarter of Shiffrin's successes. "You have to imagine it. That's the stratosphere, not the atmosphere," he enthused. "It's hard to believe that someone can do that."

Shiffrin “is and will remain the best of all time”

Annemarie Moser-Pröll not only agreed with this praise, but even went a step further. "Unbelievable, spectacular," said the 1980 Olympic downhill champion. "She doesn't just want to win, she blows away the competition. One thing is certain for me: Mikaela is and will remain the best of all time." Five-time overall World Cup winner Marc Giradelli praised Shiffrin's perfection on the slopes. "Her technique borders on perfection. Mikaela is a phenomenon, she makes it so easy," said the Luxembourger.

Meanwhile, the Swede Frida Hansdotter caused a smile. "I'll definitely tell my children about how I beat Mikaela - once or twice," laughed the 2018 Olympic slalom champion.