Fresh off one of the most dominant campaigns in alpine skiing history, Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin made it crystal clear: she’s far from finished.
The 31-year-old American superstar posted a heartfelt reflection on social media, crediting her team and expressing gratitude after securing her record-tying sixth overall World Cup Crystal Globe and a remarkable ninth Slalom Crystal Globe.
“This list of accolades does not belong to me. They belong to an entire village of support…thank you all,” Shiffrin wrote. “This sport has given me so much, I am still as eager as ever to see what challenges lie ahead… not done yet.”
Her message, accompanied by a big heart emoji, quickly resonated with fans and quickly spread across platforms.
A Season for the Ages
Shiffrin’s 2025-26 season was nothing short of legendary. Highlights included:
Olympic gold in the women’s slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games — her second Olympic title in the discipline, won by the largest margin since 1998.
110 career World Cup victories, including a record nine wins out of 10 slalom races this season.
Her sixth overall Crystal Globe, tying Austrian legend Annemarie Moser-Pröll for the all-time women’s record.
A return to the giant slalom podium, showcasing her trademark consistency and depth across disciplines.
She officially clinched the overall title on March 25 at the World Cup Finals in Hafjell, Norway, with an 11th-place finish in the final giant slalom — just enough to hold off challengers and celebrate with her Stifel U.S. Women’s Ski Team, which also captured the Nations Cup.
Beyond the numbers, Shiffrin emphasized the journey. She described the season as “uniquely special,” highlighting the team’s growth, the grind of weekly races, and the emotional support that carried her through.
“In writing this, I realize that words are truly not enough to convey all my feelings… and just how grateful I am to my team for all of your support this year. Big heart. Big energy,” she shared earlier.
No Countdown Clock — Just Pure Passion
At an age when many athletes begin to wind down, Shiffrin shows no signs of slowing. Her “not done yet” declaration pushes back against any whispers of retirement and signals her hunger for more challenges ahead.
The focus now shifts to the 2026-27 FIS Alpine World Cup season, set to kick off in October, followed by the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in February 2027.
Shiffrin’s career continues to rewrite the record books. With 18 Crystal Globes and counting, the most decorated skier in history remains driven by the same love for the sport that launched her as a teenager.
As she put it: the accolades belong to the village that supports her — and that village is clearly ready for whatever comes next.
What’s your take — how many more seasons can the GOAT deliver? Drop your thoughts and predictions below! 👇🏂
