10 of the most influential and badass women in sports: 6. Mikaela Shiffrin

One of the many arguments that we see when discussing equality for women in sports is that men are biologically “bigger, faster and stronger” than women. A concept often conflated with men being more entertaining to watch, making greater achievements, and in turn, deserving higher pay. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that for the most part this isn’t true. But my No. 6 badass woman has reserved herself a prestigious spot in Alpine Ski history by transcending world records and accomplishments set by men and women alike.

Mikaela Shiffrin

We’ve all heard of Lindsay Vonn, one of the greatest Alpine Skiers in history, but you may not have heard of the up-and-coming 25-year-old who Vonn described to CNN as being “in a league of her own”. 

Over the course of nineteen seasons, Vonn became the female with the most World Cup victories, finishing her career with 82 wins. Mikaela Shiffrin has been in the world cup circuit for only nine seasons and is quickly catching up to Vonn with the second most WC wins at 66, and she has many more years of competition to come. 

Shiffrin made her World Cup debut at 15, turned 16 two days later, and within several weeks became the youngest American ski racer to claim a National Alpine Crown with her slalom title victory at the U.S National Championships. 

The following year, Shiffrin Won her first World Cup race in 2012 at just 17 years-old, making her the second youngest Alpine Skier to win a WC race. Her 66 WC wins include 43 slalom wins, the most ever by any skier — male or female. 

Shiffrin is also the youngest skier (male or female) to win 50 World Cup races, the only skier (again, male of female) to win 15 races in the same calendar year and to win 17 World Cup races during a season (a record previously held for 30 years). Shiffrin is also the first and only male or female skier with six wins in all six FIS Alpine Ski World Cup disciplines. 

She is currently the three-time reigning Overall World Cup champion, remains the four-time reigning World Champion in slalom, and is one of only five Americans to win the World Cup overall title. 

Shiffrin broke Olympics Alpine skiing history by winning gold in slalom as the youngest skier ever to do so.  Her second gold medal in the 2018 giant slalom tied Shiffrin with Ted Ligety and Andrea Mead Lawrence for most gold medals won by an American Olympic Alpine skier.

In 2019, Shiffrin took home the gold in slalom once again and became the first alpine skier to win a World Championship in the same discipline at four consecutive championships. 

Early in Shiffrin’s career she avoided voicing an opinion on any major issues in an effort to avoid what she asserted to CNN as a “toxic political environment.” 

I mean, she’s not wrong.  

But even still, Shiffrin is constantly upping her game on the slopes and in life. In 2018, she teamed up with the Child Mind Institute for the #MyYoungerSelf Campaign. The campaign circulated in an effort to fight the stigma for 1 in 5 children struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Shiffrin revealed her life long struggle with anxiety, but clearly hasn’t let it stop her. 

Fast-forward to 2020, Shiffrin was finally so fed up she had to come out with a statement. Guess what got her riled up enough to finally start some controversy? 

Pay inequality. 

Mikaela Shiffrin saw that only one woman was on the 2019 Forbes highest paid athlete list, and was pissed.

In an interview with Pete Sharland, she acclaimed herself the newest, loudest advocate for pay equality. 

If this super talented, incredibly disciplined, dynamic young woman doesn’t inspire you with her unparalleled list of achievements to support pay equality for women, then you’re probably not a true sports fan. On the other hand, if you feel like women deserve every penny that men get based on their prowess and particular sport, then do as they do on Bridge Street in Vail and just shout “Mikaela! Mikaela! Mikaela!” 

Next up, the story of a crazy sports fan, turned internet sensation, turned ESPN reporter. Stay tuned.

Full list:

• 10 of the most influential and badass women in sports: 1. Megan Rapinoe
• 10 of the most influential and badass women in sports: 2. Mina Kimes
• 10 of the most influential and badass women in sports: 3. Katie Sowers
• 10 of the most influential and badass women in sports: 4. Maya Moore

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