Mikaela Shiffrin Makes History: Is She About to Become the Greatest Skier of All Time?

LEVI, Finland (AP) — American ski sensation Mikaela Shiffrin is back in her element and making waves in the skiing world once again. Shiffrin secured her record-extending 98th career World Cup win on Saturday, a historic victory that propels her one step closer to the century mark.

The 28-year-old skiing star put on a dazzling display of speed and agility on the slopes of Levi, Finland, where she clinched the season's first World Cup slalom. This momentous triumph not only etches her name further into the skiing annals but also underlines her unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Thus far, Shiffrin has established herself as an indomitable force in the skiing realm, with 98 titles to her name, a testament to her consistent brilliance over the years. Her relentless drive and unmistakable passion have made fans and aficionados alike wonder if she's on the cusp of claiming the title of the greatest skier of all time.

The win, coupled with her long-standing dominion in the World Cup circuit, sends an ominous signal to her contemporaries that Shiffrin is far from finished. Her sights seem firmly set on the coveted 100-win milestone, an achievement that, if realized, would catapult her into an elite club of World Cup champions.

Furthermore, this victory might serve as the catalyst for a fairy tale chapter in Shiffrin's already illustrious career. It is an oft-cited phenomenon in sports that athletes on the verge of an extraordinary landmark victory often draw unprecedented support and energy from an expectant crowd. If fortune favors Shiffrin to notch her 100th World Cup win on home soil, the reverberations could be astronomical.

Valérie Grenier, meanwhile, followed up her promising Levi performance with her eighth top-20 finish in the slalom. She was out-maneuvered by Shiffrin, but managed to edge out Canadian veteran Laurence St-Germain, who finished in 10th spot.