‘My best possible run’ - Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates dramatic slalom victory in Semmering as Camille Rast drops to second spot

Mikaela Shiffrin claimed a record-equalling sixth consecutive World Cup slalom win on Sunday. She was adrift in fourth place after her first run at Semmering, but fizzed with her second effort to put her 0.09s clear of Camille Rast. The American praised Rast for pushing her so hard. Live coverage of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, starting on February 6, is on TNT Sports and discovery+.

‘It was really hard’ - Shiffrin ‘fights’ back in Semmering to continue World Cup slalom domination

Video credit: TNT Sports

Mikaela Shiffrin celebrated a dramatic slalom victory in Semmering on Sunday, saying her "best possible run" had earned her the win.

Shiffrin made it five wins from five races this season, but she had appeared to be on the cusp of defeat earlier in the day.

The 30-year-old American finished in fourth place in her first run, needing a huge improvement in her second run to land victory.

Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026

How Vonn defied age and injury to win 2018 bronze as she seeks Milano Cortina medal

15/01/2026 at 16:08

She did just that, cutting a 0.54s deficit to move 0.09s clear at the top of the leaderboard, pushing her Swiss opponent Camille Rast into second place. Third spot on the podium went to 19-year-old Albanian Lara Colturi.

After the first run in difficult conditions, Shiffrin said: "It’s a very strange race. Challenging. It’s going to be bumpy again, there is 3cm of ice on top of a pretty rotten surface on some turns."

Following discussions with skiers, part of the course was changed for the second run, ensuring an easier path.

Knowing she needed to improve on her first performance, Shiffrin attacked early, and she was helped by a small error late on from Rast in the flat section, which might have proved the difference between first and second place.

Victory for American superstar Shiffrin was her 106th at World Cup level. She will very much be one of the stars to watch at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, which starts on February 6 and is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Highlights: Shiffrin overcomes sluggish opening run to claim sixth straight World Cup slalom win

Video credit: TNT Sports

Asked if the victory was the perfect way to bring 2025 to a close, Shiffrin answered: "Today was hard, you could see the skiing from these women.

"It was tough conditions, it was a really big fight and the pressure was on. I did my best, best possible run. Perfect? I don’t know if that's the right word."

Shiffrin was asked where she had gained an edge on her opponents, and she replied: "I honestly don’t know. It didn’t feel, like, good. I didn’t expect to come down with the green light.

"It’s been one of those days. Thank you to the crowd for cheering, to the fans for being so enthusiastic, because on days like this, honestly, we do it for you."

Shiffrin also expressed her admiration for beaten rival Rast, saying both of them suffered from errors, and she had benefitted from making just one fewer overall.

‘Good aggressive run!’ - Shiffrin retakes the lead in Semmering

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I have so much respect for her, I love to watch her ski right now," Shiffrin said.

"I made one mistake on this course in those conditions, and the mistake she made on the final pitch, that was the ticket. What I did better was one less mistake."

Shiffrin ended the year by equalling one of her own records, with six consecutive World Cup wins in the slalom.

She also extended her record of wins in Semmering to four, two more than her closest challengers.

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games, starting on February 6, will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026

'Closing my eyes, hoping for it to be over' - Shiffrin reacts to high-speed Flachau win

13/01/2026 at 22:59

Tarvisio

Vonn 'happy' despite falling short in 'tricky' Tarvisio

Yesterday at 12:30

Thoughts?