American ski sensation Mikaela Shiffrin made history at the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships by clinching her 15th World Championship medal, equaling the record previously held by legendary skier Christl Cranz. Shiffrin, paired with Breezy Johnson in the inaugural team combined event in Saalbach, Austria, took home the gold medal in an extraordinary performance. This momentous achievement further solidifies Shiffrin’s place as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time.
The Inaugural Team Combined Event: Shiffrin and Johnson Make History
The team combined event at the World Championships is a thrilling new competition that will make its Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The event is unique in its format, with two skiers from each team competing in different disciplines: one skier races the downhill, while their teammate follows with the slalom. The combined time of both skiers determines the winner.
Shiffrin and Johnson, both 29 years old, showcased their undeniable chemistry and skiing prowess in the event. Johnson, who had recently returned to competition after a 14-month suspension due to three anti-doping whereabouts failures, set the stage with an impressive performance in the downhill. She finished the downhill portion in fourth place, leaving Shiffrin with a strong base to build upon in the slalom.
Mikaela Shiffrin, known for her consistency and dominance in the slalom, delivered when it mattered most. Despite a challenging season marked by an abdominal puncture injury that kept her out for two months, Shiffrin showed no signs of slowing down. She secured third place in the slalom to give the U.S. team the top spot in the event with a combined time of 2 minutes 40.89 seconds.
Shiffrin’s Record-Equalling 15th World Championship Medal
This victory marked Mikaela Shiffrin’s 15th World Championship medal, an achievement that equals Christl Cranz’s record from the pre-World Cup era. Cranz, a German skier who competed between 1934 and 1939, won 15 individual medals during an era when World Championships were held annually. While the format of the event has changed significantly since Cranz’s time, Shiffrin’s accomplishment is remarkable in the modern era of alpine skiing.
Shiffrin’s 15 World Championship medals have cemented her status as one of the most successful alpine skiers of all time. She has won multiple golds and podium finishes across a variety of disciplines, with a particular focus on the slalom. Shiffrin has also accumulated 99 World Cup victories, with the potential to add even more to her impressive career tally.
Her victory with Breezy Johnson in the team combined event further demonstrates her versatility as an athlete. The team-based format requires skiers to excel in different disciplines and showcase their ability to collaborate under pressure—traits that Shiffrin has consistently displayed throughout her career.
Breezy Johnson’s Return to Form and Team Chemistry
Breezy Johnson’s performance in Saalbach was nothing short of exceptional, considering the challenges she has faced over the past year. Johnson, who was out of competition for 14 months due to a suspension related to anti-doping whereabouts violations, made an incredible return to form in this World Championship event. The 29-year-old skier proved her mettle with a strong downhill run that set the U.S. team up for success in the team combined event.
Johnson’s speed and determination in the downhill were critical to the team’s gold medal win. As a former top-level downhill skier, Johnson has demonstrated her abilities in the past, but this event marked a significant step forward in her recovery and return to the sport. Her collaboration with Shiffrin added to the team’s strength, as the pair had a long-standing friendship and competitive relationship that fueled their determination.
Shiffrin, in turn, praised Johnson’s performance, calling her a constant source of inspiration and acknowledging their close bond as competitors and friends. The two skiers have known each other for years, having competed together since their early days on the ski circuit. Shiffrin’s comments about their partnership highlight the importance of teamwork, trust, and camaraderie, which were vital to their success in Saalbach.
Switzerland and Austria Claim Silver and Bronze
While Shiffrin and Johnson stood at the top of the podium with their gold medal performance, the competition was fierce, with Swiss and Austrian teams close behind. Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami and Wendy Holdener secured the silver medal with a combined time of 2:41.28, just 0.39 seconds behind the American duo. Gut-Behrami, a decorated Swiss skier with multiple World Championship and Olympic medals, put in a strong performance in the slalom to ensure her team remained competitive throughout the event.
Austria’s Stephanie Venier and Katharina Truppe rounded out the podium in third place, with a combined time of 2:41.42. While the Austrians were unable to match the speed of the top two teams, their consistent performance in both the downhill and slalom was enough to earn them a spot on the podium. This podium finish further highlights the strength of the alpine skiing community, with top competitors from various countries pushing each other to new heights.
Shiffrin’s Struggles and Triumphs Leading Up to the World Championships
Mikaela Shiffrin’s journey to this World Championship victory was not without its obstacles. In November 2022, Shiffrin suffered an abdominal puncture injury in a crash during training in Killington, Vermont, which sidelined her for two months. The injury posed a significant challenge to her preparation for the World Championships, but Shiffrin’s resilience and commitment to recovery paid off in Saalbach.
Despite these setbacks, Shiffrin returned to competition in January 2023 at the night slalom in Courchevel, France. Her comeback performance was met with enthusiasm, as fans and fellow athletes eagerly anticipated her return to top form. However, Shiffrin made the difficult decision not to defend her giant slalom title later in the week due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the crash. The decision underscored her mental and emotional health as a priority, a choice that was widely supported by the skiing community.
Shiffrin’s participation in the team combined event was initially in doubt, but the decision was made to pair her with Breezy Johnson based on their current rankings, as opposed to other potential pairings. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius, as the two skiers combined their skills to secure the gold medal and make history in the process.
Shiffrin’s Legacy and Future in Alpine Skiing
Mikaela Shiffrin’s remarkable success at the 2023 World Championships, highlighted by her 15th medal and victory in the team combined event, further solidifies her legacy as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time. With a career that includes a remarkable number of World Cup wins and World Championship medals, Shiffrin’s impact on the sport is undeniable.
As she continues to break records and achieve new milestones, Shiffrin’s focus on both her physical and mental well-being will be crucial to her future success. While her career has already been filled with incredible achievements, the skier has shown no signs of slowing down and is poised for continued success in future seasons and competitions.
The team combined event, which will make its Olympic debut in 2026, provides a new opportunity for Shiffrin to further display her versatility and strength in a team-based competition. As she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in alpine skiing, Shiffrin’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to strive for greatness in their own careers.
Conclusion: Shiffrin’s Historic Triumph
Mikaela Shiffrin’s triumph at the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, where she secured her 15th World Championship medal and won gold in the team combined event with Breezy Johnson, will be remembered as one of the most significant moments in the sport’s history. Shiffrin’s incredible resilience, paired with Johnson’s outstanding return to form, led to a historic achievement that further elevates Shiffrin’s legacy in the world of alpine skiing.
As the sport of alpine skiing continues to evolve, Shiffrin’s contributions will remain a benchmark for excellence, and her success in the team combined event signals a bright future for her and for the sport as a whole.
