As the 2023–2024 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup heads to Levi, Finland, all eyes are on Mikaela Shiffrin as she attempts to claim her eighth reindeer—a unique prize that only Levi’s slopes offer. Known for her unparalleled dominance, Shiffrin now sits at 88 career World Cup victories, just 12 shy of the elusive 100-win mark. The question is: Can she clinch her eighth reindeer and edge closer to that legendary milestone this weekend?
The stakes are higher than ever, but the road to 100 wins isn’t just about skill—it’s about breaking records, challenging traditions, and defining what it means to be an Alpine skiing icon.
The Reindeer Trophy: Levi’s Unique Tradition
Levi’s reindeer tradition adds a layer of prestige and curiosity. Every time a skier wins a slalom race in Levi, they receive a live reindeer as a prize. Shiffrin already owns seven of these reindeer, stabled in Levi and individually named. Her quest for an eighth reindeer raises eyebrows, with some critics questioning the spectacle and environmental impact of such an unusual trophy. Does the tradition uphold skiing’s charm or distract from the sport’s actual competition?
Shiffrin’s Path to 100 Wins: A Controversial Journey
With 88 wins, Shiffrin is fast approaching the mythical 100-win milestone—a record only a handful of athletes in any sport can boast. However, her relentless pursuit of victory has sparked debates within the skiing community. Critics argue that Shiffrin’s dominance creates a stagnant competitive landscape, where younger skiers are overshadowed. Others claim her record-breaking pace adds pressure that could lead to burnout, especially as she competes back-to-back seasons with few breaks.
Shiffrin’s approach to training and mental resilience, which she openly discusses, is also polarizing. Some fans appreciate her openness about mental health, which destigmatizes discussions in a traditionally stoic sport. Yet, skeptics argue that this focus on mental resilience gives her an “emotional advantage” in the eyes of sponsors and fans, which might sway race-day pressures in her favor.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Critics: Breaking Skiing’s Tradition or Advancing It?
Shiffrin’s success doesn’t just impact her competitors—it challenges the very fabric of Alpine skiing’s traditions. Her pioneering training methods and reliance on sports psychology have opened a floodgate of resources not all athletes can access. This disparity has led some to question if Shiffrin’s dominance is partly due to an imbalance in access to cutting-edge coaching and technology. Critics argue that the resources Shiffrin has might make it nearly impossible for other skiers to challenge her throne on an equal footing.
Finland: A Test of Legacy or Just Another Weekend?
This weekend in Levi could be historic for Shiffrin, but it’s also a stage that polarizes the skiing community. While her fans celebrate her pursuit of greatness, others call for changes in the sport to level the playing field.
Will Mikaela Shiffrin claim her eighth reindeer, securing another step toward 100 wins and setting new standards, or will this weekend spark more questions about skiing’s future?
Only the slopes of Levi can decide.