American alpine skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin recently shared her thoughts on extending her career into her 40s, drawing inspiration from fellow skier Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable return to the sport. Shiffrin, who is preparing for the Milan Olympics in 2026 where she aims to secure her third Olympic gold medal, spoke candidly about her future in an interview with Olympics.com.
Shiffrin, the record-holder for the most World Cup victories in alpine skiing history with 101 wins, capped last season with a triumph at the World Cup finals in Sun Valley, Idaho. Her season was nearly derailed by an abdominal injury sustained in a crash at a World Cup event in Killington, but the 30-year-old made a stunning recovery, returning to competition just two months later.
Commenting on Vonn’s comeback after retiring in 2019, Shiffrin expressed admiration for athletes who maintain elite performance over extended careers. “I don’t see myself competing until I’m 40,” she admitted, “but I’m inspired by athletes who can compete at that level for so long, step away, and come back. It’s impressive.” Vonn, who will also compete at the 2026 Milan Olympics in her final Olympic appearance, exemplifies this resilience.
Shiffrin emphasized the beauty of sport and the gratitude she feels for being able to compete. “Sport is such a beautiful part of life,” she said. “We get to do this, and that’s something to be grateful for.” While Shiffrin may not plan to race into her 40s, her comments reflect deep respect for Vonn’s journey and the diverse paths athletes can take in their careers.
