Double Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin is determined to reshape her relationship with the Olympic Games as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Reflecting on her challenging experience at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where she failed to medal in her individual events, Shiffrin expressed a desire to move beyond the disappointment that has lingered since those Games.
“I don’t want Beijing to be a reason,” Shiffrin said in a recent interview, emphasizing her intent to make peace with the Olympics and approach the upcoming Games with a renewed mindset. The 30-year-old American alpine skiing star, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history, has been open about the emotional toll of her Beijing performance, where she recorded three Did Not Finishes (DNFs) in her five individual races. The unexpected results sparked intense scrutiny and self-reflection for the athlete, who has amassed 97 World Cup victories and three Olympic medals, including golds in slalom (2014) and giant slalom (2018).
Shiffrin’s journey since Beijing has been one of resilience and growth. She returned to the World Cup circuit with characteristic determination, breaking records and further cementing her legacy. In March 2023, she surpassed Ingemar Stenmark’s record for the most World Cup wins, a testament to her enduring talent and mental fortitude. However, the Olympics remain a complex chapter in her storied career. “The Olympics are a different beast,” Shiffrin noted. “It’s not just about skiing fast—it’s about managing the pressure, the expectations, and the moment.”
As she prepares for her fourth Olympic appearance, Shiffrin is focused on embracing the experience rather than being defined by past setbacks. She has been working closely with her team to refine her technical skills and mental approach, aiming to channel the lessons from Beijing into a positive force. “I want to go into Milan-Cortina with a clear head and a full heart,” she said. “It’s about skiing for myself, for my team, and for the love of the sport.”
Shiffrin’s openness about her Olympic struggles resonates with fans and fellow athletes alike, highlighting the human side of an athlete often seen as superhuman. Her vulnerability has sparked conversations about mental health in high-performance sports, with Shiffrin advocating for self-compassion and balance. “Beijing taught me a lot about myself,” she reflected. “It wasn’t the outcome I wanted, but it’s part of my story, and I’m ready to write a new chapter.”
The 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place from February 6–22, offer Shiffrin an opportunity to add to her Olympic legacy while competing in a region known for its passionate alpine skiing culture. With events in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a historic hub for the sport, the stage is set for Shiffrin to pursue redemption in the slalom, giant slalom, and potentially other disciplines.
As the countdown to Milan-Cortina continues, Shiffrin remains a central figure in the sport, balancing her pursuit of excellence with a commitment to personal growth. “The Olympics are special, and I want to honor that,” she said. “I’m not chasing a result—I’m chasing a feeling, a moment where I can say I gave it everything.” For Shiffrin, making peace with the Olympics is not just about medals; it’s about embracing the journey and redefining what success means on the world’s biggest stage.
