Mikaela Shiffrin is set to embrace the spotlight as she prepares for her fourth Olympic appearance, scheduled to begin on February 10, 2026, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Fresh off claiming a record-breaking ninth slalom crystal globe, Shiffrin expressed her gratitude and excitement during a press conference, highlighting her eagerness to represent Team USA once again.
Each Olympic experience has presented Shiffrin with unique challenges and opportunities. “With those experiences, being able to show up to Cortina and still be wide-eyed and just as excited and motivated as the first is really great,” the two-time Olympic gold medalist stated. The pressure of the Games is palpable, particularly given her past struggles at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where she left without any medals despite being a favorite in six events.
Reflecting on her experiences, Shiffrin acknowledged the significance of her past performance, stating, “I think it’d be impossible not to take my experiences from different Olympics — including Beijing — and sort of have those be somehow relevant in this Games.” During her time in Beijing, she faced disappointing results, including three races where she skied out and a 18th place finish in downhill.
Shiffrin’s upcoming events at the Olympics include the team combined on February 10, where she previously secured a gold medal with Breezy Johnson in the inaugural competition. The announcement of Team USA’s pairings revealed that Shiffrin and Johnson will compete together, with Shiffrin expressing her honor at being able to race alongside her teammates, stating, “I’m in a really wonderful, lucky position to be able to do the event, period.”
Following the announcement, Shiffrin’s competitive spirit remains evident. She is scheduled to compete in the giant slalom on February 15 and the slalom on February 18. After a remarkable season, where she won seven of eight World Cup starts, expectations for Shiffrin’s performance are high. Yet, when asked to define success, she emphasized the need for reflection after the Games, recognizing the unpredictability of competition. “It would be maybe interesting in two or three weeks to reflect on how it feels, because I don’t have an exact answer,” she noted.
A significant narrative surrounding Shiffrin’s journey has been her recovery from a serious injury sustained during a crash in Killington, Vermont, in November 2024. The abdominal puncture wound sidelined her for two months, leading to a challenging return to competition. “At the time, I struggled to imagine ever being a top-10 finisher again,” she admitted. However, her recent performances have reignited her confidence, placing her consistently among the top competitors this season.
As she prepares for the Olympics, Shiffrin has demonstrated resilience and determination. She described her current pace as “amongst the fastest in the world,” while also acknowledging the constant pursuit of improvement. “It’s always thinking, what can we improve,” she said, highlighting her commitment to growth in her sport.
Despite the pressures and challenges that lie ahead, Shiffrin’s gratitude for her health, her teammates, and the opportunity to represent her country shines through. She remarked, “I think it’s always an honor and privilege to represent Team USA.” Embracing the pressure, Shiffrin concluded, “Right now, it really does feel like a privilege. I’m grateful for that.”
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Shiffrin as she aims to add to her impressive legacy in the world of alpine skiing.
