Mikaela Shiffrin Set for Three-Event Challenge at Milan Cortina Olympics
Mikaela Shiffrin is preparing for a focused approach at the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, emphasizing her core skiing events after a challenging experience in 2022. Following two significant crashes since 2022, she has decided to compete in only slalom, giant slalom, and team combined events.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Olympic Strategy
This decision marks a reduction from the six events she entered in the previous Olympics. At those games, Shiffrin did not finish three of her races and went home without a medal. This time, her U.S. head coach, Paul Kristofic, confirmed that Shiffrin’s focus on slalom and giant slalom aims to enhance her performance.
Previous Performance and Adjustments
- Shiffrin won a World Cup super-G at Cortina in 2019.
- She earned medals in all categories at world championships, including a bronze in 2021 in Cortina.
- She crashed in downhill at Cortina in January 2024, and suffered injuries in a giant slalom fall at Killington, Vermont, last season.
Despite these setbacks, Shiffrin recently returned to the podium in giant slalom just before the Olympics. Her approach has been shaped by both physical and mental challenges, particularly recovering from post-traumatic stress following her crash at Killington.
Focus and Preparation
Kristofic noted that narrowing Shiffrin’s focus has been beneficial. “You can get spread very thin when you chase multiple disciplines,” he said. The strategy aims to enhance her readiness in key events where she has seen substantial success, including 71 victories in slalom and 22 in giant slalom.
With Shiffrin not competing in downhill, another decorated skier, Lindsey Vonn, plans to race despite a recent ACL tear in her left knee. Vonn has been actively working out and preparing for the event, demonstrating her determination to compete.
Team Dynamics and Medal Prospects
- The U.S. women’s team has prospects for medals in every event.
- Jacqueline Wiles and Breezy Johnson have also achieved podium finishes, bolstering the team’s confidence.
In terms of pairing, Vonn and Shiffrin were viewed as a potential “dream team” for the team combined event. However, Vonn’s injury raises questions about team dynamics. Coach Kristofic indicated that selections would be made after observing performances in the downhill event.
Final Preparations
Shiffrin currently ranks first in slalom, with Paula Moltzan, Nina O’Brien, and AJ Hurt following. The structure of the team combined event involves one skier competing in downhill and another in slalom, with their times combined for the overall result.
Coach Kristofic emphasized the importance of performance-based selections while acknowledging athletes’ preferences. The focus remains on creating the strongest pairings to achieve Olympic success.
