Mikaela Shiffrin Concludes Olympic Alpine Ski Race Without Medal
Mikaela Shiffrin, the renowned U.S. Alpine skier, faced another setback at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Competing in the women’s giant slalom on February 15, Shiffrin finished in sixth place, marking her eighth consecutive Olympic event without a medal.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Olympic Journey
Shiffrin’s career is highlighted by numerous accolades, including holding the record for the most World Cup race victories. Despite this success, her experiences at the Olympics have been less favorable, particularly since her disappointing performance in the 2022 Beijing Games where she left empty-handed after participating in all six Alpine events.
Challenges in Giant Slalom
The giant slalom has proven to be particularly challenging for Shiffrin. While she achieved gold in this event at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, a crash in 2024 during a giant slalom in Killington, Vermont, has affected her performance. The incident resulted in a puncture wound to her abdomen, leading to long-term psychological impacts, including PTSD.
In recent competition, Shiffrin struggled to regain her confidence and speed. Just last month, she managed to reach the podium for the first time since her injury, finishing third at a World Cup event in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czechia. However, during her time in Cortina, she expressed a lack of “drive” expected from top athletes in her discipline. Shiffrin mentioned the importance of pushing harder in areas where she has previously held back.
Looking Ahead
Shiffrin remains hopeful for upcoming events. Her next race, the slalom, is considered her strongest suit and she is focusing on adjusting her strategy to regain her competitive edge. Despite the setbacks, her determination to succeed at the Olympics remains steadfast.
- Race Date: February 15, 2026
- Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
- Performance: Finished in 6th place in giant slalom
- Olympic History: 8th consecutive Olympic event without a medal
- 2022 Performance: No medals in six events
- Return to Podium: 3rd place in Spindleruv Mlyn in January 2026
Shiffrin’s story continues to unfold, and as she prepares for her next competition, the ski world watches closely, hoping for a return to her former glory.
