Olympic champion and the most decorated alpine skier in history Mikaela Shiffrin has expressed deep gratitude and a sense of surreal pride after being named to TIME magazine’s inaugural TIME100 Sports list, which recognizes the 100 most influential figures shaping the global sports landscape.
The list, revealed on June 9, 2026, features icons like LeBron James (on the cover), Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Shohei Ohtani, Caitlin Clark, and fellow skiers Lindsey Vonn and Eileen Gu. TIME will celebrate the honorees at its first-ever TIME100 Sports Gala on July 16 in New York City.
In a heartfelt Instagram post and statements shared widely, Shiffrin described the recognition as deeply moving. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by @TIME on their TIME100 list as an Icon in Sports alongside so many inspiring people,” she wrote. “To be honest, recognition like this always feels a little surreal. Even after all these years, there’s still a part of me that wonders, ‘Is this real?’”
A Legacy of Dominance and Resilience
At 31, Shiffrin stands as the winningest alpine skier of all time, with more than 110 World Cup victories, multiple Crystal Globes, and a record that continues to grow. Her 2026 season was highlighted by a triumphant gold medal in the women’s slalom at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics — her fourth Olympic medal and first in eight years — won by a commanding 1.5-second margin, the largest in any alpine skiing Olympic event since 1998.
That victory came after early setbacks at the Games and carried extra emotional weight: it marked her first Olympic gold since the 2020 death of her father, Jeff Shiffrin. In post-race comments, she spoke movingly about processing grief and finding peace. She capped the season by securing her sixth overall Crystal Globe.
Shiffrin has long been candid about the mental and emotional challenges of sustained excellence. “I’ve been fortunate enough to stand on top of the podium 121 times on the world stage, and I can honestly say it has never felt routine,” she said in her TIME100 reaction. “Maybe from the outside, repeated success can start to look ordinary… But from the inside, it’s anything but. I still care deeply. I still get nervous. I’m still motivated to improve. I’m still chasing the perfect turn.”
Beyond the Slopes: Impact and Gratitude
The Colorado native has used her platform for more than athletic achievement. She supports causes like ShareWinter, which provides access to snow sports for underprivileged youth, and emphasizes the team effort behind her success.
“None of it happens alone,” Shiffrin noted. “I’m endlessly grateful for my family, coaches, teammates, sponsors, friends, and all of you who have supported me through every high and low.”
Her inclusion on the list — following a previous TIME100 honor in 2023 — underscores her influence not just in skiing but in inspiring resilience, openness about mental health, and elevating winter sports on the global stage. Fellow U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes Lindsey Vonn, Jessie Diggins, and Oksana Masters also made the list, highlighting the impact of American snow sports.
As the sports world looks ahead, Shiffrin’s story remains one of enduring drive. Even at the pinnacle, she continues pushing boundaries — both on and off the snow.
