Mikaela Shiffrin lauded as a ‘perfectionist’ and ‘a one-off’ after breaking Lindsey Vonn World Cup record

Mikaela Shiffrin has been lauded as a “perfectionist’ and “a one-off” after breaking Lindsey Vonn’s World Cup wins record in Kronplatz.

And now Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of US Ski and Snowboard, has added her voice to those praising Shiffrin’s stunning feats, having been an eager observer of her dramatic chase to break Vonn’s 82 wins.

“It was huge excitement, a bit of nerves as well, it doesn’t get any easier watching these incredible races,” Goldschmidt told Amanda Davies on CNN Sports.

“What Mikaela has achieved is fantastic. Still only 27 years old and to be so dominant at that age across multiple disciplines – we couldn’t be prouder of her and it’s just so well-deserved.

“I know she’ll be really enjoying this moment and am sure is incredibly proud of what she’s achieved.

“She’s been through a lot the last 12 months. The amount of hard work they [Shiffrin and her family] have put in for years and years to achieve this moment is incredibly rewarding.

“It was great to see her celebrating with the team, the camaraderie that group have, really supporting each other, she’s such an incredible mentor too to those she competes and trains with, so it’s a really special moment for a lot of people.”

Goldschmidt elaborated on what makes Shiffrin such a remarkable sportsperson, paying particular tribute to how she conducts herself away from the snow.

“She’s a perfectionist with everything that she does,” Goldschmidt continued.

“She loves ski racing, the training element and everything that goes with it.

“I’m sure every one of these records is incredibly meaningful for her.

“But being the ultimate professional she’s focussed on what’s next, and what more she can achieve this season. She’s still, relatively speaking, young in her career, while she has been competing for a long time.

“Thee races are incredibly taxing, both mentally and physically, and we can all imagine the pressure she’s been under as she’s got closer to these records.

“For the US to have the greatest two alpine ski racers ever, in a global and normally European-dominated sport, is quite amazing.

“[Ingemar] Stenmark [with the all-time record of 86 wins] isn’t that far away, so whether she’ll do that this season or in future seasons, it’s just appreciating what she’s achieved and how lucky are we to have Mikaela representing the US and on our team.

“She is the ultimate role model. I have never worked with someone who is such a great role model, who is so professional both on and off the snow.

“We obviously see what happens on the mountain and clearly that takes an incredible amount of hard work and discipline, year in year out.

“But what she does off the snow is as impressive, the way that she prepares, supports others and gives back to our sport.

“I could list numerous things that she does that people would have no idea about, but that really make a difference and leave a much broader, longer-lasting legacy maybe than even some of the stats and wins that she has.

“She really is a one-off, and this is a very, very special time in the sport and for this country [the US].”

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