The 2025-26 Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season kicked off with a thrilling giant slalom race at the iconic Rettenbach racecourse in Sölden, Austria, on Saturday. While Team USA celebrated a strong performance with three athletes finishing in the top six, including a silver medal, Mikaela Shiffrin narrowly missed the podium, finishing just 0.31 seconds behind the bronze medalist. Despite the close miss, Shiffrin’s reaction was one of unbridled joy, highlighting her optimism and focus on the bigger picture.
“For our team, this was a spectacular day,” Shiffrin said, beaming with pride after the race. The official Audi FIS Ski World Cup social media account captured her exuberant celebration, sharing a video of the American skiing superstar letting out thunderous screams of excitement as she crossed the finish line. “This year with fourth, I’m over the moon. It’s a really, really good step, and I have improvements to make still,” Shiffrin shared through her media manager, Megan Harrod.
Shiffrin’s performance in Sölden marked a significant milestone in her preparation for the season, particularly in the giant slalom, which she identified as a key focus during her offseason training. “Every single part of today was a monumental step,” she said, reflecting on how the race boosted her confidence. “To feel like I’m skiing the course and I’m sort of doing what I want to be doing — you have no idea how good of a feeling that is.”
The 30-year-old skiing phenom, widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history, admitted that her start to the World Cup season was slower than anticipated. However, her approach during the second run demonstrated her mental resilience and strategic focus. “My goal on the second run was to almost relax a little bit and let the track of the course kind of take me,” Shiffrin explained. “That’s really, really hard to do, especially if you’re not 100% confident.” She added with a smile, “The final step is adding the race mentality.”
As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, approach in February, Shiffrin remains pragmatic about her priorities. While the Olympics are a focal point for many athletes, she noted that skiers often approach the season differently due to the demanding World Cup schedule. The World Cup finals, set to follow shortly after the Olympics, add another layer of complexity to her preparation. Shiffrin’s ability to balance her Olympic ambitions with her World Cup goals underscores her experience and maturity as she navigates her 14th season on the circuit.
Team USA’s strong showing in Sölden, with three athletes in the top six, signals a promising start to the season. For Shiffrin, the fourth-place finish is not a setback but a stepping stone. “We’ll analyze it and keep moving forward,” she said, already looking ahead to refining her performance in upcoming races.
As Shiffrin continues to build momentum, her infectious positivity and relentless drive will undoubtedly keep her in the spotlight, both on the slopes and in the hearts of fans worldwide.
