In a deeply candid exclusive interview with EssentiallySports at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, American alpine skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin laid bare the intense “scare of failure” that haunted her throughout the Games, even as she powered to gold in women’s slalom—her third Olympic gold medal overall.
The 30-year-old legend, who entered her fourth Winter Olympics as the most decorated female alpine skier in history with 108 World Cup wins, admitted to harboring profound fears of injury, pain, not living up to sky-high expectations, and the relentless pressure that comes with being one of the greatest ever. These anxieties were compounded by past traumas: the 2020 death of her father, Jeff, and a terrifying 2024 crash that left her with lasting physical and emotional scars.
“I’m afraid to fail,” Shiffrin revealed in the sit-down, describing how she worked closely with a psychologist to desensitize herself to the overwhelming Olympic hype and embrace vulnerability. She spoke of the sport’s brutal duality—moments of pure inspiration juxtaposed against the harsh realities of high-speed crashes, public criticism, and unfulfilled dreams—yet found peace by shifting her focus from results to the sheer joy of skiing.
Her path to gold wasn’t smooth. Early disappointments, including a non-podium finish in giant slalom and struggles in other events, amplified those inner doubts. But in slalom—her signature discipline—Shiffrin channeled that fear into focus, delivering flawless runs to claim victory on February 18, 2026. Post-race, she reflected on pushing through self-questioning: “I got there, in the face of fear and adrenaline and the potential for criticism… I pushed to believe. I won.”
Shiffrin’s honesty resonated far beyond the slopes. She emphasized redefining success through mental resilience, staying present, and letting go of doubts in an unforgiving arena where every run carries real risk. “It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do,” she said of confronting those fears head-on, but doing so allowed her to rediscover peace in her skiing—and ultimately, golden glory.
Fans and fellow athletes have flooded social media with praise for her vulnerability, turning the interview into an inspiring viral moment. As Shiffrin continues to evolve both on and off the mountain, her words serve as a powerful reminder: Even the GOATs battle fear, but true champions face it—and conquer it anyway. ❄️🥇
