As the 2025/26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup charges toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, Mikaela Shiffrin has already stamped her authority on the season like few others in history. The American superstar heads into today’s women’s Giant Slalom – and tomorrow’s slalom – with a perfect record in her signature discipline and a commanding lead in the overall standings.
Here are five things Mikaela Shiffrin has shown us so far this Olympic campaign:
Slalom Supremacy Remains Absolute
Shiffrin is undefeated in slalom, winning all five races this season (Levi, Gurgl, Copper Mountain, Courchevel, and Semmering) by massive margins – often over a second – to claim her 102nd through 106th World Cup victories. Her streak now stands at six consecutive slalom wins dating back to last season, matching her personal best. At 30, she’s extended her record to 69 slalom triumphs, cementing her as the undisputed queen of the gates.
Comeback Mastery Under Pressure
In Semmering just days ago, Shiffrin trailed by 0.54 seconds after a tricky first run but unleashed a blistering second leg to win by 0.09 seconds over Camille Rast. It’s her largest comeback deficit to victory in over a decade, proving her mental toughness and ability to thrive when it matters most – a trait that bodes well for Olympic pressure.
Giant Slalom Progress in Rebuild Mode
After focusing on recovery and slalom dominance in recent years, Shiffrin is steadily rebuilding her GS form. Her best results this season include shared fourth in Tremblant and consistent top-10 finishes, with 198 points placing her solidly in the discipline hunt. She’s shown flashes of her old GS brilliance, signaling a potential multi-event threat at the Olympics.
Overall Title in Her Sights
With 698 points, Shiffrin leads the overall World Cup standings by nearly 200 points over Rast and Alice Robinson. Her slalom perfection (500 points) has powered this edge, putting her on pace for a record-extending sixth big crystal globe while balancing tech events ahead of Cortina.
Pursuit of Perfection Drives Her
Beyond wins and records, Shiffrin has revealed her true motivation: chasing the “perfect” ski run that matches her vision. In recent interviews, she’s emphasized that podiums aren’t the goal – it’s the relentless quest for flawless execution that keeps her pushing limits, inspiring the next generation as the Olympics loom.
As action kicks off today in Kranjska Gora’s Giant Slalom (Run 1 at 10:00 CET), Shiffrin starts with bib 8, eyeing momentum before tomorrow’s slalom where she’s favored to extend her streak to seven. With Cortina just weeks away, the GOAT is showing she’s hungrier – and better – than ever.
