Aksel Lund Svindal, a name synonymous with Winter Olympic alpine skiing greatness, has been a dominant force in the sport for nearly two decades. With Olympic gold, World Championship titles, and World Cup victories under his belt, Svindal’s perspective on skiing is both insightful and valuable. After retiring in 2019, Svindal has stayed active within the sport, watching as new stars emerge, like Mikaela Shiffrin and Marco Odermatt. In a recent exclusive interview, Svindal shared his thoughts on Shiffrin’s unique strength and the rise of Marco Odermatt, both of whom have become central figures in Winter Olympic alpine skiing today.
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Mikaela Shiffrin’s Unmatched Consistency: Svindal Reflects on Her Dominance and Mental Strength
Mikaela Shiffrin, the American Winter Olympic alpine skiing prodigy, has taken the sport by storm. With her ability to dominate in both slalom and giant slalom disciplines, she has quickly become one of the most dominant figures in the history of the sport. Svindal, a former champion in the downhill and super-G events, has been particularly impressed by Shiffrin’s work ethic and mental fortitude.
Her consistency is unlike anything we’ve seen in the sport in recent years, Svindal begins, reflecting on Shiffrin’s dominance. She’s been able to maintain such a high level of performance over the course of many seasons, which is incredibly impressive. And it’s not just her skiing talent — it’s her approach to the sport that sets her apart.
Winter Olympic 2026: Shiffrin’s Resilience and Versatility Svindal’s Take
Svindal points out that one of Shiffrin’s greatest strengths is her mental resilience. She’s able to manage pressure so well. Even when expectations are sky-high, she finds a way to stay focused and perform at her best, he says. For Svindal, this ability to perform under pressure is one of the key reasons Shiffrin has been able to remain on top for so long. Skiing is a sport that can be mentally exhausting, and it takes a special person to consistently win at the highest level.
While Shiffrin is best known for her slalom success, Svindal notes that her versatility is a crucial part of her overall strength. What makes her so unique is her ability to perform in multiple disciplines. She’s not just a one-trick pony. She’s constantly evolving and getting better in different areas of the sport, which is really impressive. You Can Read Winter Olympic 2026: Loic Meillard Golden Triumph at the World Championships a Milestone for Swiss Slalom Skiing
The ‘Marco Odermatt Effect’: A New Era for Men’s Skiing
On the men’s side, Swiss skier Marco Odermatt has emerged as a dominant figure, particularly in the giant slalom and overall World Cup standings. With his all-around ability and steady rise through the ranks, Odermatt has quickly established himself as a future star in alpine skiing. Svindal, having spent years competing against top skiers, has been impressed by the 2023 World Cup champion’s performances.
Marco is an incredible talent, Svindal says of the 26-year-old skier. He has all the qualities to be a dominant force in the sport for many years to come. Svindal praises Odermatt for his technical precision and ability to adapt to the challenges posed by the World Cup circuit. “He’s one of those skiers who seems to handle different conditions with ease, and he’s consistently improving, Svindal explains.
One of the aspects that Svindal finds particularly impressive is the way Odermatt has been able to stay calm in the face of pressure. Marco doesn’t seem to crack under pressure, and that’s a rare quality. You see it in athletes like Marcel Hirscher and Lindsey Vonn — they just don’t let the intensity of the moment affect them, Svindal reflects. Odermatt’s ability to handle the mental aspects of the sport has clearly set him apart.
Svindal also draws a parallel between Odermatt’s rise and his own career trajectory. When I was racing, there were moments when I could feel the shift in momentum, and I could tell that I was starting to dominate. Marco seems to be experiencing something similar now — he’s reached a point where it’s clear he’s the skier to beat.
The Changing Landscape of Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
Svindal reflects on how the landscape of Winter Olympic alpine skiing has evolved since his retirement. The sport has become increasingly competitive, with more young talent rising to the top every season. The level of competition now is incredible, Svindal says. There are so many young athletes who have the potential to make a huge impact. Mikaela and Marco are just two examples of the next generation of skiers who are pushing the sport to new heights.
He also acknowledges that the physical demands of the sport have evolved over the years. Skiing used to be more about strength and power, but now it’s as much about technical skill and mental preparation, Svindal explains. The shift in focus is due, in part, to advancements in technology, equipment, and coaching techniques. The athletes are more well-rounded now. They are as much athletes as they are technicians, and that’s why we’re seeing more consistent performances at the top level.
Svindal is excited about the future of the sport, as he sees the emergence of new stars creating a fresh, exciting dynamic within Winter Olympic alpine skiing. There’s a new energy in the sport, and it’s not just about winning races. It’s about pushing boundaries and setting new standards. That’s what keeps the sport evolving and growing.
Winter Olympic 2026: Svindal’s Perspective on Skiing’s Global Appeal
Winter Olympic Alpine skiing has always had a strong following in Europe, particularly in countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Norway. However, Svindal believes the sport has the potential to grow even further in other parts of the world. We’re starting to see more skiers from countries outside the traditional alpine powers, he says. It’s amazing to see how the sport is spreading. The more people who are involved, the more the sport will grow.
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Svindal also believes that skiers like Shiffrin and Odermatt can help bring the sport to a wider audience. Mikaela is one of the biggest names in skiing, and she’s helped elevate the visibility of the sport on a global scale, Svindal says. When you have athletes like her and Marco, who are dominating and performing at the highest level, it draws attention to the sport. That’s how you get more people excited about skiing.
A Legacy Beyond the Slopes and Optimism for the Future of Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing
As Svindal reflects on his own career, he acknowledges how much skiing has shaped his life. Winter Olympic Alpine skiing gave me everything. It taught me discipline, resilience, and how to overcome obstacles. It was my passion, my job, and my lifestyle all wrapped into one,” he says with gratitude.
Yet, despite all of his success, Svindal is humble about his achievements. I was fortunate to have a long career at the top, but I know that it’s the next generation that will shape the future of the sport, he adds. Svindal’s transition into post-retirement life has been marked by a strong focus on his family, business ventures, and investments. While he still loves skiing and occasionally works with Norwegian TV, his priorities have shifted towards creating a legacy beyond the slopes.
Looking to the future, Svindal is optimistic about the continued growth of alpine skiing and the exciting potential of emerging athletes like Shiffrin and Odermatt. The sport is in great hands, Svindal says. The next generation of skiers will take Winter Olympic alpine skiing to places we’ve never seen before.
Winter Olympic Alpine Skiing’s Bright Future
Aksel Lund Svindal’s legacy as a champion skier is undeniable, but his insight into the sport’s future is just as valuable. His admiration for Mikaela Shiffrin’s strength and Marco Odermatt’s rise shows his deep understanding of what makes great athletes, while his thoughts on the sport’s evolving landscape offer a glimpse into the bright future of Winter Olympic alpine skiing. With new stars emerging and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the sport is in good hands. And Svindal, as always, will be watching with pride.
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