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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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Winter Olympic 2026: French Ski Federation Suspends Olympic Medalist Joël Chenal

The French Ski Federation (Fédération Française de Ski, FFS) announced the suspension of Joël Chenal, the Olympic silver medalist and veteran Winter Olympic alpine skiing star, in a move that has drawn both surprise and speculation across the winter sports community. Though the federation has not disclosed the full details behind the decision, it confirmed the suspension is effective immediately, halting all of Chenal’s professional engagements within the organization.

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This unexpected development comes just months ahead of the 2025–26 World Cup season and the lead-up to the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, where Chenal was expected to contribute in a mentorship or coaching capacity. The FFS stated that it is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism” and that the matter would be handled with due process.

Chenal’s Illustrious Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing Career

Before his suspension, Joël Chenal had been widely regarded as one of France’s most successful alpine skiers in the modern era. Born in Moûtiers, Savoie, and raised in the heart of the French Alps, Chenal emerged during the late 1990s as a promising giant slalom specialist. He competed on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit for more than a decade, often ranking among the top finishers.

His crowning achievement came at the 2006 Winter Olympic in Turin, where he captured the silver medal in the men’s giant slalom, delivering France’s only alpine skiing medal of those Games. The result marked a turning point in French skiing, as it rekindled the country’s legacy in a discipline long dominated by Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Mikaela Shiffrin Net Worth From Olympic Alpine Skiing Glory to Financial Success

Throughout his career, Chenal was known not only for his technical skill but also for his calm demeanor and consistent performances in the toughest conditions. His elegant carving style and calculated runs earned him respect from peers and fans alike.

A Role Model Turned Coach and Mentor

Following his retirement from competitive skiing in 2010, Chenal transitioned into coaching and administrative roles within the French Ski Federation. He became involved in training camps, youth development programs, and media engagements, frequently serving as a public face for the FFS at national and international events.

His role was especially important in mentoring young French alpine talents who now populate the World Cup circuit and who are considere medal hopefuls for Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026. Chenal’s experience and Olympic pedigree made him a sought-after mentor, and his presence around the slopes remained symbolic of French alpine excellence.

His abrupt suspension, therefore, has created a void—not just in leadership but in morale. Young athletes who have work under his guidance are left with uncertainty, and the coaching structure for upcoming competitions may need to be reevaluate in the short term.

Olympic Alpine Skiing: France’s Cornerstone Winter Olympic Sport

Olympic Alpine skiing has long been one of France’s flagship sports at the Winter Olympic, producing legends like Jean-Claude Killy, Carole Montillet, and more recently Alexis Pinturault. The nation has consistently performed well in technical disciplines, and its mountainous terrain makes it an ideal training ground for future stars.

Joël Chenal’s Olympic success in 2006 helped to bridge a generational gap in performance and reignite national interest in alpine skiing. Since then, France has poured resources into youth development, ski academies, and infrastructure—especially in preparation for Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026.

The FFS has been under increased scrutiny to ensure all members and officials align with the organization’s values and code of ethics. As Winter Olympic alpine skiing remains one of the most publicly visible winter sports in France, the federation is especially careful with the reputation of those tied to the sport.

Impact on Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 Preparations

With just over six months until the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 Games, the timing of Chenal’s suspension raises important questions about team readiness. While he was not a competing athlete, his anticipate involvement in strategy sessions and athlete preparation was considere significant.

Many within the French Winter Olympic alpine skiing community are now wondering how the national program will adapt. Some insiders suggest that Chenal’s absence could offer an opportunity for younger coaches to step into more prominent roles, while others express concern over the disruption in continuity and guidance.

For a team with several Olympic podium contenders, including names like Tessa Worley and Clément Noël (both of whom had direct mentorship ties to Chenal), the federation must act quickly to preserve momentum.

Federation Response and Athlete Reactions

The FFS has remained tight-lipped beyond its official statement, citing privacy and internal review protocols. However, President Michel Vion emphasized that the integrity of the federation and the protection of its members must come first. He further note that the decision to suspend Chenal was not taken lightly and that the outcome of the review process will determine any further actions.

Several athletes and coaches have responded to the news with a mix of disappointment and cautious respect for the federation’s decision. Joël has always been a steady presence in French skiing, said one national team athlete anonymously. It’s hard to imagine the team dynamic without him, but we trust the federation to handle this with fairness.

Public and Media Perception

French media outlets have covered the suspension with restraint, largely avoiding speculation and instead focusing on Chenal’s past achievements and contributions. Still, the situation has sparked debate over athlete-turned-coaches and how sports federations can better monitor conduct across all professional levels.

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Fans have expressed shock on social media, with many calling for transparency, while others urge the public to wait until the full review is complete. Whatever the final outcome, the incident underscores the evolving expectations of professional accountability in sports—not just on the field of play, but in every aspect of an athlete’s legacy.

A Crossroads for French Alpine Skiing Ahead of Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026

The suspension of such a high-profile figure marks a pivotal moment for the French Ski Federation. In addition to addressing the immediate internal concerns, the FFS now faces the broader challenge of maintaining public confidence and ensuring a strong performance at Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026.

As new talent rises and veteran leadership is reassesse, the organization must balance tradition with transparency. Winter Olympic Alpine skiing remains France’s best shot at Olympic glory, and the path forward will require resilience, unity, and clear communication.

Chenal’s Legacy and the Future of French Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing

Joël Chenal’s legacy as an Olympic medalist remains intact—for now. His accomplishments on the slopes inspired a generation, lifted national pride, and contributed to the evolution of French Winter Olympic alpine skiing. However, legacies in modern sport are no longer judge solely by athletic performance.

As the review continues, many hope that clarity will emerge, one that respects both justice and the values of the sport. In the meantime, the French skiing community will turn its attention to the athletes preparing for 2026—those who, in the spirit of Olympic excellence, carry forward the torch of competition, integrity, and national pride.

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