“It would be the biggest accomplishment,” Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin HUMBLED by comparison with Annemarie Moser-Proell, sets sights on matching 6x gold medalist’ record

The most successful alpine skier in World Cup history, Mikaela Shiffrin, talks about why she hasn't lost motivation and what winning a sixth large crystal globe would mean to her ahead of her season debut in Soelden.

“It would be the biggest accomplishment,” Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin HUMBLED by comparison with Annemarie Moser-Proell, sets sights on matching 6x gold medalist’ record

Mikaela Shiffrin and Annemarie Moser-Proell [Image Credit- ISPO.com and Presse - SalzburgerLand Tourismus]

Mikaela Shiffrin, a highly regarded downhill skier, conveyed that her drive remains unaffected despite a successful season. She has triumphed over Ingemar Stenmark‘s 86-win record, cementing her status as the World Cup’s most prosperous athlete.

Despite doubts about her motivation, she reassured everyone that she had no reason to lose it since she had accomplished something unexpected instead of her original goal of winning a fifth overall globe.

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Speaking remotely from Soelden, Austria, the Olympic champion interacted with reporters during an online press conference on Thursday evening. She will be starting her season there on Saturday. Should any of her remarks inspire Shiffrin to pursue the ultimate victory and compete for it again this year, it will empower her to put in greater effort. 

She is a complete trailbrazer in Ski racing and I would say that if I am able to match that title, the sixth overall, that would be probably the biggest accomplishment.
Mikaela Shiffrin said via The Olympic Games

From the very beginning, it has always been one of her utmost objectives. Motivation remains untouched year after year, as it begins anew each time. Right now, Shiffrin’s mind is occupied with that particular subject.

Having emerged triumphant in the last two overall championships, Shiffrin finds herself in a position to match Annemarie Moser-Proell’s record of six major crystal globes, a feat achieved by the latter in 1979.

Mikaela Shiffrin on Moser-Proell’s enthusiasm

The famous Austrian skier had the good fortune of being met by the 28-year-old American. After achieving victory in the Olympic downhill skiing competition held in Lake Placid, the Austrian skier decided to retire at the age of 26.

Mikaela Shiffrin [Image Credit- People]
Mikaela Shiffrin [Image Credit- People]

Proell enthusiasm for skiing was apparent, and she consistently offered words of encouragement to her. It was clear to her that Shiffrin couldn’t match her abilities, and had no chance of surpassing her records or attaining any titles.

There was a chance that Shiffrin would win approximately 30 times, and she advised her to simply try. According to Proell’s statement, Shiffrin will undoubtedly succeed in surpassing her if that is Shiffrin’s intention.

Shiffrin was completely taken aback by how she had the foresight to think ahead when nobody else did. It was an incredibly enjoyable and thrilling experience. Matching Moser-Proell’s record is of great significance to the seven-time world champion, she stated.

If Shiffrin can secure her sixth overall title, “it would be probably the biggest accomplishment” considering Annemarie Moser-Proell’s groundbreaking contributions to ski racing. Shiffrin is gearing up for her 14th season in the highest level of international skiing competition.

By manifesting notable accomplishments last season, the American secured a remarkable 18 positions on the podium and emerged victorious 14 times across three varied domains of competition. Concluding the season, she achieved a remarkable 2,206 points, narrowly exceeding her previous record from 2017 by just two points.

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