As the alpine skiing world converges on Sölden for the 2025-26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season opener, Mikaela Shiffrin is not only chasing a historic 100th career victory but also championing a cause close to her heart: mental health. The two-time Olympic gold medalist, whose candid advocacy has reshaped conversations in sports, is entering the women’s giant slalom (GS) on Saturday, October 25, with a powerful message: “Mental health matters.” As she sets her sights on the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, Shiffrin’s dual pursuit of athletic excellence and emotional well-being is inspiring fans worldwide.
Shiffrin, 30, has been a trailblazer in normalizing mental health discussions, drawing from her own experiences with grief, injury, and the pressures of elite competition. The loss of her father, Jeff Shiffrin, in 2020, followed by a challenging 2023-24 season marred by a knee injury, tested her resilience. Yet, through interviews, social media, and partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team’s mental health initiatives, she has transformed personal struggles into a platform for change. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but it’s not okay to hide it,” Shiffrin shared in a recent ESPN interview. “Taking care of your mind is as critical as training your body.”
Her recent X post, captioned “Gym Things…,” showcased her grueling preparation for Sölden’s Rettenbach glacier, where she’ll compete in the GS (first run at 9:45 a.m. CET, second at 1:00 p.m. CET, broadcast on Peacock and FIS-Ski.com). The post, accompanied by a beaming smile, highlighted how physical training doubles as a mental health tool, a message that resonated with fans. “Mikaela’s honesty about mental health is why she’s my hero,” one X user wrote, reflecting the sentiment of thousands who have flooded social media with support.
Shiffrin’s advocacy is amplified by her personal life, particularly her relationship with Norwegian skiing star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. Recently, she opened up about their bond, saying, “I never knew Aleksander could love me this much,” a testament to the emotional support that bolsters her resilience. Kilde, who will race in the men’s GS on October 26, has called Shiffrin “the woman of my life,” adding a heartwarming layer to their shared journey. Their partnership, both romantic and professional, has captivated fans, with X posts celebrating their chemistry as “the ultimate power couple.”
On the slopes, Shiffrin faces fierce competition from Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami and Italy’s Federica Brignone, but her focus remains unwavering. With 97 World Cup wins, she’s three shy of becoming the first skier to reach 100, a milestone that could cement her as the greatest in alpine history. Her decision to prioritize technical events (GS and slalom) this season reflects a strategic balance, allowing her to protect her physical and mental health while building toward the Olympics.
Shiffrin’s influence extends beyond her athletic feats. By partnering with campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Month and sharing resources on platforms like X (@MikaelaShiffrin), she’s encouraging athletes and fans alike to prioritize well-being. “Mental health isn’t a weakness—it’s part of being human,” she said, a message that has sparked a wave of support, with fans on X calling her “a champion for all of us.”
As Sölden’s glacier looms, Shiffrin’s bold stand on mental health and her pursuit of Olympic glory make her a beacon of inspiration. Whether she’s carving turns or breaking barriers, her legacy is one of courage and compassion. Fans can follow her journey live on FIS-Ski.com or join the conversation on X, where her message continues to inspire millions.
