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Shiffrin Extends Slalom Dominance with Semmering Victory

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 1:20 GMT by tntsports.co.uk

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Mikaela Shiffrin Extends Slalom Reign: A Hard-Fought Victory in Semmering

Mikaela Shiffrin cemented her continued dominance in women's slalom skiing with a hard-earned victory at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Semmering, Austria. The win, secured on December 15th, 2024, marks another significant milestone in an already legendary career and highlights both her resilience and the increasing competitiveness within the sport. While seemingly routine for Shiffrin, this particular victory was far from straightforward, showcasing a challenging course and fierce competition that pushed even the American superstar to her limits.

The Semmering World Cup is a beloved fixture on the Alpine skiing calendar. Held annually in Austria, it’s known for its festive atmosphere and often unpredictable conditions – factors which played a role in this year's race. The course itself was designed to be demanding, featuring steeper sections and tighter turns, intended to test the technical skills of the racers. This design clearly impacted the overall performance, with several high-profile skiers struggling to navigate the challenging terrain cleanly.

Shiffrin’s first run wasn’t flawless. While she ultimately secured the fastest time in the opening leg (58.67 seconds), her performance was noticeably tense and included a small bobble midway down the course. This immediately put pressure on her, as several competitors posted strong times that kept her lead within a razor-thin margin. The article emphasizes this wasn’t the typical smooth and seemingly effortless skiing fans have grown accustomed to seeing from Shiffrin. It was a visible demonstration of the mental fortitude required at the highest level of competition.

Following the first run, Austrian skiers Katharina Liensberger (58.93 seconds) and Lena Dreescher (59.02 seconds) were close behind, setting up a thrilling second leg showdown. Liensberger, in particular, represents a significant threat to Shiffrin's continued reign – she has previously defeated the American on the same course, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure in Semmering. Dreescher’s strong showing further emphasized the rising talent within the Austrian team and the increasing depth of competition globally.

The second run proved even more challenging. Conditions deteriorated slightly, with changing snow conditions making it difficult for racers to maintain consistent edge control. This led to several errors and disqualifications amongst the field, underlining the precariousness of success in slalom racing. The article notes that a few skiers struggled significantly, highlighting how unforgiving the course was.

Shiffrin’s second run (57.68 seconds) was marked by a noticeable improvement in her composure and precision. She attacked the course with renewed confidence, minimizing errors and demonstrating the technical mastery that defines her skiing. Her final combined time of 1:16.35 secured victory by a comfortable margin of 0.49 seconds over Liensberger (1:16.84) who finished second. Dreescher ultimately took third place with a total time of 1:17.02.

The win extends Shiffrin’s record as the most decorated female alpine skier in World Cup history, adding another victory to an already staggering list of accomplishments. She now holds a commanding lead in the slalom World Cup standings and remains firmly on track for another overall title. The article highlights that this is her 92nd World Cup win, further solidifying her status as arguably the greatest female skier of all time – a feat made even more impressive considering previous injuries and setbacks she has overcome throughout her career.

Beyond the immediate victory, Shiffrin’s performance in Semmering offered valuable insights into the current state of women's slalom skiing. The close competition and challenging course underscore the increasing level of skill amongst her rivals. The emergence of strong Austrian skiers like Liensberger and Dreescher signals a shift in the competitive landscape, suggesting that Shiffrin will face even tougher challenges as she continues her pursuit of further World Cup titles.

Shiffrin herself acknowledged the difficulty of the race after the event. As quoted in the article, she stated it was "really hard" and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and composure throughout both runs. This candid assessment highlights not only the physical demands of elite skiing but also the mental resilience required to succeed at this level. The victory wasn't just about speed; it was about managing pressure, adapting to changing conditions, and executing a technically demanding performance under intense scrutiny.

The Semmering World Cup win serves as another chapter in Mikaela Shiffrin’s remarkable story – a testament to her dedication, talent, and unwavering determination to remain at the pinnacle of alpine skiing. While the competition is getting fiercer, Shiffrin continues to prove that she remains the woman to beat on the slalom circuit.

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