Lindsey Vonn Responds to Rift Rumors with Mikaela Shiffrin After Milestone Victory
When two dominant athletes share the spotlight, friction can sometimes follow—and that appears to be the case between Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin. Back in January, Vonn expressed enthusiasm about teaming up with Shiffrin for a new event at the 2025 Alpine World Championships. The event, set to debut at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, allows two specialists to join forces—one competing in the downhill and the other in the slalom— with the fastest combined time determining the winner. Vonn was eager about the possibility, and with good reason.
Together, the two women hold an incredible 181 World Cup victories. Shiffrin dominates the slalom, while Vonn is the most successful downhill skier in history. “I’ve told my coaches that I want to,” Vonn had said at the time. However, things quickly took an unexpected turn.
### The Unexpected Team Switch
Shortly after Vonn’s remarks, Shiffrin announced on social media that she wouldn’t be participating in the team event, opting instead to focus on the giant slalom and slalom races at the World Championships. This seemed to put an end to the dream partnership. However, in early February, Shiffrin reversed course, explaining that lingering fears from her November crash had affected her mindset. She then made the surprise decision to withdraw from defending her giant slalom title and enter the team event instead—but with a different partner.
Instead of Vonn, Shiffrin teamed up with reigning downhill world champion Breezy Johnson. This decision didn’t sit well with Vonn, who wasn’t shy about expressing her disappointment.
“I’m excited for Breezy and Mikaela to team up together and I believe they are a great pair. However, I am disappointed in the way it was handled,” Vonn said in a statement to The Associated Press. She ended up partnering with AJ Hurt but was vocal about her frustration on social media.
The results only added to the sting—Shiffrin and Johnson claimed the gold medal, while Vonn and Hurt finished a distant 16th. Despite the tension, Vonn later seemed to extend an olive branch, acknowledging Shiffrin’s historic achievement.
### Vonn Congratulates Shiffrin on 100th World Cup Win
In a sign that she was ready to move past any lingering tension, Vonn took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate Shiffrin’s milestone 100th World Cup victory. “Epic achievement!!” Vonn wrote in response to Shiffrin’s incredible feat.
On February 23, Shiffrin delivered a dominant performance in her signature slalom event to secure her 100th win. After battling injuries that delayed this achievement for months, she finally reached the milestone. Leading from the start, she built a 0.61-second gap over second-place finisher Zrinka Ljutic, with fellow American Paula Moltzan rounding out the podium in third.
Interestingly, Vonn had been vocal in her admiration for Shiffrin’s talent long before this achievement. In a previous interview with Olympics.com, Vonn had praised Shiffrin’s impact on the sport. “It would be an incredible milestone,” Vonn had said when Shiffrin was sitting at 99 wins. “The fact that she didn’t just break the record but now she’s going to break 100 is crazy. And I think if you look at it, it’s the evolution of sports. We all push each other to break new glass ceilings. And she’s pushing it for the next generation and hopefully, she inspires the next wave of American skiers.”
Although the highly anticipated partnership never materialized, both Vonn and Shiffrin remain legendary figures in skiing. If their relationship remains cordial, it can only be beneficial for the sport as a whole.
### Vonn Stands Her Ground Against Comeback Critics
Beyond the team event drama, Lindsey Vonn is making headlines for her bold return to competitive skiing at 40. While athletes in other sports are often celebrated for competing well into their 40s, Vonn has been met with skepticism about her comeback. But she isn’t backing down.
In a recent interview with *Sports Illustrated*, Vonn addressed her critics head-on, especially those who doubt her return following knee surgery. “Been a little frustrating because that’s a close-minded way to think,” she said. She pointed out that advancements in medical technology have changed what’s possible for athletes, allowing them to extend their careers longer than ever before.
Vonn believes the doubts surrounding her return reflect outdated thinking. “I do hope this opens people’s eyes to what’s possible,” she added.
### Inspiring the Next Generation of Skiers
Far from being discouraged by criticism, Vonn is using her experience to help others. She revealed that fellow skiers—some of whom have undergone knee and hip surgeries—have reached out to her for advice on recovery and longevity in the sport. Her determination to prove what’s possible has made her a source of inspiration.
Looking ahead, Vonn has hinted that she has her sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina—a place that has been lucky for her in the past. If she makes it, her return won’t just be a comeback; it will be a powerful statement to all who doubted her.
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