In a breathtaking display of dominance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Mikaela Shiffrin delivered one of the most commanding performances in alpine skiing history, clinching gold in the women’s slalom and ending an eight-year Olympic medal drought.
Entering the second and final run with a solid 0.82-second lead from her first run—the largest margin in an Olympic women’s slalom since 1960—Shiffrin didn’t play it safe. Instead, she attacked the course with precision and aggression, extending her advantage to a staggering 1.50 seconds over Switzerland’s Camille Rast, who took silver. Sweden’s Anna Swenn Larsson claimed bronze, 1.71 seconds back.
That 1.50-second winning margin stands as the largest in any Olympic alpine skiing event since 1998 and ranks as the third-largest in women’s Olympic slalom history (behind Vreni Schneider’s 1.68 seconds in 1988 and others from earlier eras). In a sport where hundredths of a second often decide medals, this gap was an eternity—effectively sealing the gold before many competitors even finished.
Shiffrin’s combined time of 1:39.10 showcased flawless technique, mental toughness, and the kind of composure under pressure that has defined her career. She overcame a slight wobble in the second run but powered through, growing her lead with a near-perfect execution that left rivals in awe and the crowd roaring.
This victory marked her third Olympic gold medal overall—making her the most decorated U.S. alpine skier in history—and her second in slalom (following her breakthrough win at age 18 in 2014). At 30, she also became the oldest American woman to win Olympic slalom gold, capping a remarkable comeback story filled with personal challenges, including grief over her father’s passing and recent struggles.
Shiffrin didn’t just win; she rewrote the narrative, proving once again why she’s widely regarded as the greatest alpine skier of her generation. As she crossed the line and took a moment of quiet reflection, the emotion was palpable—a champion reclaiming her throne in unforgettable fashion.
