Shiffrin's Olympic Dream: One Last Slalom Stand
The Dominance of a Slalom Queen
In Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Mikaela Shiffrin stands poised for her final medal opportunity at the Milan Cortina Games. Throughout the current season, she has showcased exceptional prowess in slalom, making her the undeniable favorite for the gold in the last Alpine ski event.
An Unmatched World Cup Record
Statistically, Shiffrin's achievements are staggering. She holds the record as the most decorated Alpine skier in World Cup history, boasting an Olympic gold from 2014 and four world titles in the discipline. This season alone, she has triumphed in seven out of eight slalom races, securing a second-place finish in the remaining one.
Securing a Historic Crystal Globe
At 30 years old, the American athlete entered the Olympics having already clinched her ninth World Cup slalom crystal globe, a new record. Her impressive tally of 108 World Cup victories includes 71 in slalom, surpassing any other Alpine skier in a single discipline.
The Weight of Olympic Expectations
Despite her phenomenal World Cup accomplishments, the pressure intensifies. Her failure to secure any medals at the Beijing 2022 Games is a recurring talking point, adding a layer of complexity to her current campaign.
Seeking Olympic Redemption Since 2018
Shiffrin has not added an Olympic medal to her collection since 2018, a fact that looms large over her current endeavors. Her recent performance in the team combined event saw her and Breezy Johnson finish fourth, with Shiffrin placing 15th in the crucial slalom leg.
Navigating Giant Slalom Challenges
The giant slalom event presented its own set of hurdles for Shiffrin, who has been battling issues since sustaining an injury in November 2024. She ultimately finished 11th, a result influenced by the course design of her coach, Karin Harjo, who made history as the first woman to set an Olympic Alpine course.
A Shift in Mental Approach
Prior to her giant slalom race, Shiffrin shared her perspective on Instagram, acknowledging that while the Olympics are medal-focused, athletes are also susceptible to misjudgment and narratives that often oversimplify the sport's true demands.
Reflections on Early Olympic Learnings
Following the giant slalom, Shiffrin reflected on her experiences from the initial week of competition. She noted a misalignment in her performance during the team combined event, attributing it to a combination of course setting, equipment, conditions, and her own mental state. This introspection has led her to approach the upcoming slalom with a renewed, open mindset.
Rival Hopes and Course Conditions
Competitors are closely observing the piste layout and snow conditions, hoping they might gain an advantage. The only skier to best Shiffrin in slalom this season is Switzerland's Camille Rast, the reigning world champion, who is also vying for her inaugural Olympic medal.
Contenders and Training Adjustments
Camille Rast's teammate, Wendy Holdener, 32, earned a silver medal at the 2025 championships, where Shiffrin placed fourth. Holdener, a five-time Olympic medalist, opted to skip Sunday's giant slalom to dedicate more time to slalom training. Other notable contenders who have reached the World Cup podium this season include Austria's Katharina Truppe, Germany's triple Olympic silver medalist Emma Aicher, Italian-born Lara Colturi, representing Albania, Germany's Lena Duerr, and American Paula Moltzan, who secured a bronze in the team combined event.
Italy's Restricted Team
Italy's team will comprise only three skiers, following the rejection of their request to replace the injured 16-year-old Giada d'Antonio.