American alpine skiing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin has once again etched her name in the history books, clinching her third career Olympic gold medal in the women’s slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games on February 18. The 30-year-old phenom delivered a masterful performance on the Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, posting a dominant combined time of 1:39.10 to win by a massive 1.50 seconds over Switzerland’s Camille Rast (silver) and Sweden’s Anna Swenn-Larsson (bronze). This victory ends an eight-year individual Olympic medal drought since her last top spot in 2018, solidifying her status as America’s most decorated Olympic alpine skier with four medals (three golds).
Born March 13, 1995, in Vail, Colorado, Shiffrin burst onto the scene at just 18, claiming slalom gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Now turning 31 in 2026, she holds the record as the most successful alpine skier in World Cup history with over 100 victories, multiple overall titles, and a legacy of unmatched speed, precision, and resilience.
Behind the champion stands her fiancé, Norwegian alpine star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. The power couple, who began dating in early 2021 and got engaged in April 2024, share a deep bond forged through their shared passion for skiing. They’ve supported each other through injuries and recoveries—Kilde famously called them “a rock for each other” amid tough times. Wedding plans are on hold until after the Games, but their mutual encouragement has been a key pillar in Shiffrin’s journey.
Shiffrin’s estimated net worth in 2026 ranges from $8–12 million (with some sources citing up to $15 million combined with Kilde), fueled by massive prize money, long-term sponsorships with brands like Adidas, Barilla, Land Rover, Longines, and more. Her commercial appeal remains sky-high as the face of the sport.
The road to this gold wasn’t easy. Shiffrin battled serious setbacks, including a freak abdominal puncture wound from a 2024 crash in Killington, Vermont, that sidelined her for months and left lingering PTSD effects in giant slalom. She also overcame earlier knee, ankle, and abdominal issues from high-speed crashes. Her determination to return stronger has inspired fans worldwide, turning adversity into triumph.
From a toddler on the slopes to rewriting records and finding redemption on the biggest stage, Mikaela Shiffrin proves greatness comes from talent, grit, and unbreakable spirit. This golden moment caps a legendary career—and the best may still be ahead!
