Mikaela Shiffrin has expressed gratitude and determination as she prepares for her fourth Olympic appearance, set to begin on February 10, 2026. Fresh from securing a record-breaking ninth slalom crystal globe, the two-time gold medalist remains focused on her performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
During a press conference held on February 7 in Livigno, Italy, Shiffrin reflected on her varied Olympic experiences. “Each of my four Olympics has been wildly different,” she noted. Despite the unique challenges, her enthusiasm for the Games remains undiminished. “I still feel as excited and motivated as I did at my first Olympics,” she added, emphasizing the sense of gratitude she carries into this competition.
Shiffrin’s previous Olympic performance in Beijing was marked by disappointment, as she left without any medals after being a strong contender in six events. She skied out of three races, finishing 18th in the downhill and ninth in the super-G. Her struggles in Beijing are influencing her approach to this year’s Games. “It’s impossible not to take my experiences from different Olympics — including Beijing — and have them be relevant,” she said, highlighting the lessons learned from past challenges.
As she prepares for the team combined event, Shiffrin aims to build on her previous success, having won gold with teammate Breezy Johnson in the inaugural competition last winter. Originally expected to pair with Lindsey Vonn, who suffered an injury, Shiffrin expressed her respect for all her teammates. “I’d be honored to race with any of my teammates,” she remarked, acknowledging the depth of talent within the team.
Team USA has announced its pairings for the women’s team combined events, with Shiffrin and Johnson forming the top squad. Other pairings include Jackie Wiles with Paula Moltzan, Bella Wright with Nina O’Brien, and Keely Cashman with A.J. Hurt. Following the team event, Shiffrin will compete in the giant slalom on February 15 and the slalom on February 18.
After recently winning her ninth slalom globe and achieving seven victories in eight World Cup starts this season, expectations for Shiffrin are understandably high. Nevertheless, when asked to define success, she acknowledged the need for reflection. “It would be interesting in two or three weeks to see how it feels,” she stated, focusing on her ongoing commitment to improvement.
Shiffrin’s journey this season has been particularly significant following a serious injury sustained in November 2024. After suffering an abdominal puncture wound in Killington, Vermont, she faced a challenging recovery that included a disappointing return to competition. At her first race back in Sestriere, Italy, she placed 25th and struggled in subsequent events.
Despite these setbacks, Shiffrin has regained her confidence. With consistent top-six finishes this season, including a podium placement in Spindleruv Mlyn, she is determined to refine her skills. “There are turns where I still back off,” she noted, recognizing the need for continued growth and adaptation in her technique.
Shiffrin’s perspective on her Olympic experience has evolved, particularly in light of her challenges in Beijing. “I would prefer to learn from those experiences rather than the injury,” she remarked, indicating her resilience and commitment to improvement.
As she approaches the Olympics, themes of gratitude and pressure resonate strongly with Shiffrin. “I think it’s always an honor and privilege to represent Team USA,” she stated, adding that she views the pressure of competition as a privilege rather than a burden. “Right now, it feels like a privilege, and I’m grateful for that,” she concluded, ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
