Mikaela Shiffrin, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, is gearing up for her fourth Olympic campaign with a renewed mindset, determined to move past the disappointments of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games. In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, the 30-year-old Alpine skiing star shared her goal of finding peace with her Olympic experiences as she prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
After a stellar start to her Olympic career, earning three medals—including two golds—across her first two Games, Shiffrin faced unexpected challenges at the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre in Beijing. The Colorado native failed to complete three of her six events, leaving without a medal. Reflecting on that experience, she expressed a desire to redefine her relationship with the Olympics.
“It’s not about settling scores,” Shiffrin explained. “It’s about finding closure and inner calm. I want to approach the Games ready to accept any outcome—medals or not—and to fully embrace the moment, to live it and feel it without fear.”
Shiffrin acknowledged that the Beijing setbacks lingered, contributing to a sense of apprehension about the Olympics in recent years. However, as she embarks on her 15th season on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, she is channeling optimism for the road ahead. “Beijing shouldn’t define my Olympic journey,” she said. “I’ve felt some fear because of it, but I’m hopeful about this season. I’m not fully prepared yet, but I’m excited. When Cortina arrives, I’ll take it one day at a time.”
The veteran skier, who hinted that Milano Cortina 2026 may not be her final Olympic appearance, is focusing on a step-by-step approach to the upcoming season. Her resilience and reflective mindset signal a strong comeback as she aims to compete with confidence and clarity.
Fans can follow Shiffrin’s journey through the 2025/2026 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season with full schedules and live coverage available on Olympics.com.
