In one of the most touching displays of sportsmanship at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Mikaela Shiffrin fought back tears while showering praise on her U.S. teammates after they edged her out for bronze in the women’s team combined event.
After finishing fourth with partner Breezy Johnson—following Johnson’s stellar downhill leg but Shiffrin’s tentative slalom run—Shiffrin made her way to the finish area to congratulate Jacqueline Wiles and Paula Moltzan, whose bronze medal came at the direct expense of her own near-podium.
Visibly emotional, Shiffrin hugged her teammates and delivered heartfelt words that quickly went viral. “To be able to cross the finish line and hug all three of you was one of the greatest Olympic experiences I’ve ever had,” she said, referring to the celebration with Johnson, Wiles, and Moltzan. “I’ve never been in a situation like this now, to celebrate a medal with anyone on our team in this way.”
The moment highlighted the tight-knit nature of the U.S. Alpine team, even in disappointment. Shiffrin, who has long been a leader and mentor, showed genuine joy for her compatriots despite her own setback—her latest in a string of Olympic near-misses.
The clip of the tearful exchange, shared widely on platforms like NBC Olympics and Olympics.com, resonated with fans worldwide, earning praise for exemplifying true sportsmanship under pressure.
As Shiffrin turns her focus to the individual giant slalom on February 15 and slalom on February 18—her best events and strongest medal hopes—the emotional high of celebrating her teammates could provide the mental reset she needs. For now, the viral moment stands as a reminder that even in defeat, greatness shines through grace and generosity.
Shiffrin’s quest for Olympic redemption continues—stay tuned for what could be a historic turnaround in the technical events! ⛷️
