American Teen Mikaela Shiffrin Youngest to Win Gold at Slalom Worlds in 39 Years

American teen Mikaela Shiffrin became the youngest woman in 39 years to win the slalom on Saturday.

According to the Associated Press, at 17 years, 340 days, Shiffrin “is the youngest women’s world champion since American Diann Roffe-Steinrotter” won the giant slalom title in 1985.

Only two other world champions have been younger than Shiffrin. 

“Doing what I did on the hill today, especially in the second run, just skiing, is like dancing or flying,” Shiffrin said. “There’s so many ways that I can describe it. But it just is, and it works for me.