Fresh off a commanding victory in Levi that delivered her record-extending 102nd World Cup win, Mikaela Shiffrin is turning her focus to this weekend’s slalom in Gurgl with a mindset rooted in efficiency, self-discovery, and quiet confidence.
The 30-year-old American, who dominated the season-opening slalom in Finland by 1.66 seconds, arrives in the Ötztal Alps as the defending Gurgl champion and overwhelming favorite. Yet, in recent weeks, Shiffrin has opened up more than usual about the mental side of her preparation as she builds toward the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics.
“One of my big goals this season is efficiency, efficacy, and transparency,” Shiffrin said in pre-season comments that have resonated throughout the tour. “In working on that, I’m learning a lot about myself and the way that I operate.”
That introspection has been a recurring theme for the two-time Olympic gold medalist. After overcoming a serious crash last season and the mental hurdles that followed, Shiffrin has spoken candidly about rebuilding trust in her skiing — particularly in giant slalom — while maintaining her unparalleled dominance in slalom.
Following her Levi triumph, she reflected on the importance of starting the Olympic qualification year with the right headspace: “This season for me, it’s been really important to start with a really good mentality, so I can practice that every race.”
Shiffrin has also channeled her thoughts into a new off-snow project — launching her podcast What’s the Point with Mikaela Shiffrin — where she explores motivation, pressure, and life beyond the gates. The move has given fans a rare window into the mind of an athlete who has long let her results do most of the talking.
On the snow, the numbers speak loudly enough. Shiffrin posted the fastest time in both runs at Levi, finishing in 1:48.92 and earning her ninth career reindeer prize at the Finnish venue (now named in honor of family members and kept at a local farm). She heads to Gurgl — where she won convincingly last season — with momentum and a deepened sense of clarity.
Key rival Petra Vlhová remains sidelined with injury, leaving a rising generation that includes Lara Colturi, Emma Aicher, Zrinka Ljutić, and world slalom champion Camille Rast to challenge the queen of technical skiing.
The women’s slalom in Gurgl is set for Saturday, November 23, with the first run at 10:30 CET and the second at 13:30 CET.
If Levi was any indication, Shiffrin’s inner calm is translating into outer dominance. Win No. 103 could be just days away.
