In a candid preseason interview that has ski fans buzzing with anticipation, Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin opened up about her mindset heading into the 2025-26 World Cup season, declaring, “Right now I feel really positive and energetic.” The 30-year-old American alpine skiing sensation, speaking from her training base in Colorado, shared insights into her recovery from last season’s challenges and her renewed drive for the slopes.
Shiffrin, who boasts an unparalleled record of 97 World Cup victories and five overall season titles, has long been the face of women’s skiing. But after a 2024-25 campaign marred by a mid-season crash that sidelined her for several weeks, the interview marked a pivotal moment of vulnerability and resolve. “Last year tested me in ways I didn’t expect,” Shiffrin admitted, her voice steady over the video link. “The injury forced me to step back, reassess, and rebuild. But emerging from that, I’m lighter, sharper, and honestly, more excited than I’ve been in years.”
The interview, conducted as part of a grant-funded media series spotlighting athlete mental health—backed by the Mikaela Shiffrin Foundation and U.S. Ski & Snowboard—delved into the off-snow work that’s fueled her resurgence. Shiffrin highlighted her collaboration with sports psychologists and a new emphasis on mindfulness practices, including daily journaling and breathwork sessions. “Skiing at this level isn’t just physical; it’s a mental marathon,” she said. “I’ve learned to celebrate the small wins, like nailing a perfect carve on a tough run or simply enjoying the mountain air without the weight of expectations.”
When pressed on her goals for the upcoming season, Shiffrin tempered her trademark ambition with humility. “The big number—100 wins—is out there, but it’s not the focus right now,” she revealed, referring to the elusive milestone that would cement her as the greatest in history. “I’m chasing joy on the hill. The energy I have today? That’s what I want to bottle and carry through Levi [the season opener in Finland] and beyond.” Her training regimen, she added, has incorporated more cross-training and recovery tech, including cryotherapy and AI-driven form analysis, to keep her body resilient.
Fans and peers alike took to social media following the interview’s release, with Norwegian rival Mina Halajian posting, “Mikaela’s fire is back—watch out, world!” Shiffrin’s openness also resonated beyond sports, as she touched on broader themes of resilience. “To anyone grinding through a tough patch: lean into the positivity. It’s there, waiting,” she urged.
As the snow begins to dust the Alps and Rockies, Shiffrin’s preseason glow signals a thrilling chapter ahead. The full interview airs this week on NBC Sports and is available on the U.S. Ski Team’s YouTube channel. For Shiffrin, the message is clear: the queen of the slopes is recharged and ready to reign.
