As the countdown to the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 begins, Mikaela Shiffrin is not just training for medals—she’s training with meaning. The American Winter Olympic alpine skiing superstar has shifted her mindset in the wake of personal loss, career highs and lows, and the heavy expectations that come with being one of the most decorated skiers in history. In a candid interview, Shiffrin reflected on her motivations, her recovery from injury, and why the next Olympics are about something much deeper than just gold.
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Winning is great, she said. But that’s not what gets me out of bed every morning anymore. That’s not the point. That’s the whole reason I’m doing this—to find purpose, to keep growing, and to give something back.
A Legacy Already Carved in Ice
At just 29 years old, Shiffrin boasts a résumé that reads like a fantasy. With 95 World Cup victories, two Olympic gold medals, and five overall World Cup titles, she has already secured her place among the all-time greats of Winter Olympic alpine skiing. Her technical prowess in slalom and giant slalom, combined with growing dominance in speed events, has made her a formidable force across all disciplines.
But it’s not just her wins that define her—it’s her resilience. Shiffrin’s career has been shaped not only by triumph but also by tragedy. The sudden death of her father in 2020 forced a long and painful pause in her career. Public grief, physical exhaustion, and the pressure to maintain her elite status all collided in a period of introspection that changed how she approached both life and sport. I’ve realized the results don’t define me, she said. That was a hard lesson, but an important one. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: After Knee Injury Skier Noémie Kolly Retires
Preparing for Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026: A Different Kind of Training
Shiffrin has spoken openly about how her training ahead of the Winter Olympic 2026 is different—not just in terms of physical preparation, but in emotional and psychological focus. She’s prioritizing balance, mental health, and sustainability over intensity at all costs.
My training is smarter now, she explained. I used to push through everything—fatigue, pain, pressure. But that catches up with you. Now it’s about quality, intention, and making sure I’m in the right headspace. Her current regimen includes a mix of high-altitude training, gym work tailored to joint stability, and on-snow technical refinement. She’s also incorporated mindfulness, mental conditioning, and purpose-driven goal setting—tools she credits for helping her bounce back from a crash in the combined event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic.
That crash, where Shiffrin skied out of multiple events despite being a top favorite, could have crushed many athletes. Instead, it sparked a reset. That experience stripped everything down. What was left was who I am without medals—and I had to be okay with that.
Navigating Fame and Expectations
As one of the most recognized faces in Winter Olympic sports, Shiffrin carries a unique burden. Every start gate she enters draws international attention. Every podium—or absence from it—generates headlines. Yet, she insists she no longer competes to prove something to the world.
There’s always going to be pressure, she acknowledged. But I’ve stopped trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. I know what I want, and that’s to keep skiing because I love it—and because I know it can inspire others.
Shiffrin’s authenticity and vulnerability have earned her admiration beyond the ski world. In 2023, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, and her openness about mental health and grief has helped normalize these topics in high-performance sport. I’ve gotten messages from young athletes, parents, people going through hard times. That means more to me than any trophy, she said. If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, it’s worth it.
Shiffrin’s Versatility Sets Stage for Medal Contention at Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026
Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 will mark Shiffrin’s fourth Olympic Games, making her one of the most experienced athletes in Team USA’s Winter Olympic alpine skiing delegation. Despite already having two Olympic golds (in slalom and giant slalom), she remains hungry to challenge herself in multiple events—including super-G and downhill.
Speed events have become a big part of my program, Shiffrin said. They’ve pushed me out of my comfort zone, which is exactly what I need right now. Her continued evolution as an all-discipline skier has been evident in recent World Cup seasons. Not only has she consistently podiumed in technical events, but she’s also claimed victories in super-G and even downhill—disciplines that once seemed outside her specialty.
That versatility is a major asset heading into Milano Cortina. The Olympic Winter Olympic alpine skiing program rewards consistency across formats, and Shiffrin’s adaptability could put her in contention for multiple medals. But she’s clear: her goals are not numbers-driven. If I get to the Olympics and I ski with joy and presence, that’s already a win for me.
The Importance of Team and Support
Shiffrin has often emphasized the importance of her team, both on and off the slopes. Longtime coach Mike Day stepped down in 2023, ushering in a new support structure around her. Physios, technicians, mental coaches, and family play vital roles in keeping her grounded and healthy.
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You can’t do this alone. I’ve learned to lean on people more, and to let them in—even when I’m struggling, she said. There’s so much strength in asking for help. Her relationship with fellow skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, Norway’s top speed racer, has also been a source of personal support and stability. The two have often posted about training together and finding balance in their shared passion for the sport. It’s amazing to have someone who truly understands what you’re going through, Shiffrin said. We push each other, and we lift each other up.
Shiffrin Champions a Healthier Vision for Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
As the face of American Winter Olympic alpine skiing, Shiffrin knows her platform carries weight. In the lead-up to Milano Cortina, she’s using it intentionally—to advocate for athlete well-being, to challenge outdated ideas about success, and to encourage younger skiers to chase excellence without losing themselves.
Sports should be empowering, not destructive, she said. Yes, work hard. Yes, strive for greatness. But don’t forget to check in with your heart. Shiffrin’s message is particularly powerful for young women in sport, who often face a toxic mix of perfectionism, pressure, and public scrutiny. By showing vulnerability and refusing to be defined by a single result, she’s helping change the narrative around what greatness really looks like.
Legacy Beyond Medals in Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
As she builds toward the next Olympic chapter, Mikaela Shiffrin is moving with intention, not urgency. Her training is about preparation, not panic. Her goals are about connection, not just conquest.
Whether she stands atop another Olympic podium or not, her legacy is already secure. But for Shiffrin, the journey is far from over. I don’t know how many more years I’ll ski, she said. But as long as I feel purpose in it—as long as it brings meaning to my life—I’ll keep going. In a sport defined by seconds, Mikaela Shiffrin is chasing something timeless: purpose, passion, and peace.
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