In the golden afterglow of her triumphant third Olympic gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, Mikaela Shiffrin is opening up about the moments that mattered most—not just the podium highs, but the unbreakable bonds forged with her Team USA teammates and support crew.
The 30-year-old alpine superstar, who dominated the women’s slalom with a massive 1.5-second margin (the largest in the event since 1998), took to social media to share a deeply personal reflection: “Had so many special moments the last few weeks on the mountain with my team and my teammates…but had some equally special moments off the mountain.”
Shiffrin’s post captures the essence of what makes her not only one of the greatest skiers ever, but also a beloved figure in the sport. Amid the pressure of chasing history—becoming the first American alpine skier to win three Olympic golds—she found equal joy in the shared experiences: training runs, strategy sessions, celebrating teammates’ breakthroughs, offering comfort through heartbreaks, and the quiet, meaningful interactions that built unbreakable team spirit.
She highlighted the inspiration drawn from Team USA athletes’ resilience stories, the collective effort behind her own slalom victory (shouting out coaches, staff, and her inner circle), prime-time interviews, surprise visits from loved ones, and even playful off-mountain connections that added lightness to the intensity.
“But in all seriousness,” she wrote, “it was such a pleasure to witness—and be inspired by—so many of my Team USA teammates’ Olympic performances and stories of resilience, and also send love to those who experienced heartbreak on the world stage. You all dreamed big and dared greatly.”
With her record-extending legacy (now four Olympic medals total, plus 108+ World Cup wins), Shiffrin emphasized gratitude: thanking fans for joining the journey and signaling she’s far from done. “We’re not done yet. Onward to the rest of the FIS Alpine World Cup season! Moving Right Along!!”
From tearful podium embraces to group hugs in the finish area, these “special moments” remind fans why Shiffrin remains an icon—her talent on the mountain is matched only by her genuine heart for the people who share the ride.
