2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing: Shiffrin chases giant slalom gold as Cortina drama continues
The giant slalom title in Cortina d'Ampezzo takes centre stage as one of the sport's most decorated skiers returns from a serious injury. With a compact schedule and unpredictable mountain conditions, the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing programme promises early-morning drama for eastern viewers and another chance for an upset from emerging nations.
Shiffrin the hot favourite — but questions linger
Mikaela Shiffrin arrives at the giant slalom final as the name to beat. The American boasts an unparalleled World Cup record, and a win here would add further lustre to a career already defined by multiple Olympic medals and World Cup dominance. Her comeback is a major subplot: she underwent abdominal surgery after a crash in December 2024, and her return to peak form will be closely watched.
The women’s giant slalom run 2 final is scheduled for 7: 30am ET, an early start for many fans but a normal race time in Italy. Conditions in Cortina can turn quickly — variable light, wind gusts and shifting snow will test even the most experienced technicians. Expect the start list to be scrutinised heavily: early runners can have a decisive advantage if the course holds, while later starters may benefit from a smoothed track if temperatures rise.
Contenders, course and wider storylines
Beyond the headline name, a cluster of challengers will be hungry. Several established giant slalom specialists and younger athletes with strong World Cup form can push for the podium if they find rhythm on the vertical pitches and tight turns the Cortina course demands. Technique and patience will matter as much as raw speed; split-second mistakes on a fall line can cost tenths that decide medals.
There are bigger storylines at these Games than just one discipline. The alpine programme has already produced surprise moments and historic milestones, underlining how quickly the balance of power can shift. One standout moment earlier in the Games saw a competitor make history for a South American nation, highlighting the expanding global reach of winter sport. That result has injected fresh belief into nations not traditionally associated with alpine podiums and adds an unpredictable element to the competition.
Medal implications and what to watch
A giant slalom victory here would reshape season narratives. For Shiffrin, a win would further cement her claim as one of the greats and underline the success of her recovery. For challengers, a medal could mark a breakout performance that changes funding and focus back home. National teams will be measuring not just medals but margins — small errors and split-second gains will ripple into future World Cup strategy and selection decisions.
For viewers on the east coast of North America and across the Americas, the timing makes this a morning spectacle: expect fast-paced coverage of run one, quick turnarounds to the second run, and intense moments as times tumble. Athletes who can balance aggression with control on a testing course will have the best chance to separate themselves from the pack.
Ultimately, the giant slalom in Cortina is likely to deliver a blend of expected excellence and fresh drama. The combination of a top favourite returning from a significant injury, a field full of eager contenders and a course that rewards precision sets the stage for a memorable chapter in the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing programme.
