Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier in World Cup history, is approaching the 2025–26 season with a mix of excitement and nerves as she prepares for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026. Speaking at Atomic’s annual Media Day in Salzburg, Austria, on October 9, 2025, the 30-year-old American admitted she “still feels jitters” but revealed a streamlined World Cup schedule to optimize her performance for the upcoming Olympic year.
Shiffrin confirmed she will skip Downhill events entirely, a repeat of last season’s strategy, while keeping Super-G as a potential focus. “No Downhill,” she told SnowBrains, adding, “I have Super-G open.” The decision reflects a cautious yet ambitious approach following a series of injuries that have tested her resilience over the past two seasons. Shiffrin, who has dominated technical events like Slalom and Giant Slalom, also boasts five Super-G and four Downhill career wins. She expressed enthusiasm for Super-G, saying, “I love Super-G, so I’d like to give it a go early in the season.” The first Super-G race, set for December 14 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, could mark her return to the discipline, though she noted needing additional training to feel race-ready.
The reduced schedule comes after a challenging period marked by injuries. A January 2024 crash on Cortina’s Downhill course resulted in a knee tendon injury, forcing a 44-day hiatus. Later, a severe Giant Slalom crash in Killington, Vermont, caused an abdominal injury and a 60-day recovery, while also leaving Shiffrin grappling with PTSD. In a candid essay for The Players’ Tribune, she discussed how sharing her experiences has aided her recovery, a point she echoed at the press conference: “Relating to others and talking about my experience has been so helpful.”
With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo looming, Shiffrin’s selective approach balances health and Olympic aspirations. She remains undecided about continuing Super-G through the season, stating, “We’ll decide if it’s worth pursuing before the Olympics or if we push it until after.” Her focus on Slalom, Giant Slalom, and potentially Super-G underscores her dominance in technical and speed events, while her 101 World Cup victories cement her legacy.
Despite her nerves, Shiffrin’s passion for skiing shines through. “We get to do this!” she exclaimed, radiating joy. When asked about the Olympics possibly being her last, she dismissed racing into her 40s, distinguishing her path from Lindsey Vonn’s comeback while expressing admiration for her compatriot’s drive. As Shiffrin gears up for the season, her blend of cautious planning and competitive fire positions her as a formidable contender for Olympic glory in 2026.
