Mikaela Shiffrin has now touched Ingemar Stenmark’s unbeatable record.
Now comes the Swedish icon’s first words after the feat – and they are unexpected.
– When I broke the record, it was fun, but after that…, says “Stenis” to SVT.
It was 2012 that Mikaela Shiffrin took his very first victory at the World Cup. Now 11 years later, the American has reached the greatest of them all and caught up with the unbeatable record.
Shiffrin’s record
When the 27-year-old won the giant slalom in Åre on Friday, she equaled Ingemar Stenmark’s mighty record of 86 World Cup victories. An incredible achievement and “Stenis” himself is one of the first to congratulate Shiffrin.
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Because unexpectedly, he mostly thinks it’s nice not to have to keep the record he’s had for so many years now.
– It’s fantastic fun. And it’s nice that it’s her, because she seems to be a very likeable person and a great skier. So it’s fun. And soon it will be time for the 87th victory as well, says Stenmark to SVT Sport.
READ MORE: Pernilla Wiberg’s harsh judgment after Mikaela Shiffrin’s record – therefore Ingemar Stenmark is still better: “He is the greatest”
Steni’s tribute
But the 66-year-old icon also suffers with the American who has to share the record with him now.
– Yes, I have had many interviews in two months. So I can only imagine how hard it is for Shiffrin, he says to the television channel.
– I’ve had this record for so many years. Okay, when I broke the record it was fun. Then I didn’t think much about it, so it didn’t mean much in the end.
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Now Ingemar Stenmark claims that Mikaela Shiffrin is clearly first on the list of the best downhill skiers of all time.
– It is an honor to be compared to her, she is much, much better than I was. She is complete as a skater and wins in all disciplines, says the Swedish legend.
Who do you think is the greatest of Stenmark and Shiffrin? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: Mikaela Shiffrin reveals Ingemar Stenmark’s unknown gesture – which made her drop her chin: “He doesn’t understand who he is!”