Mikaela Shiffrin breaks eight-year Olympic medal drought with giant slalom gold

The American skiing star relied on self-talk and mantras instilled by her mother to end her long wait for another Olympic title.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Mikaela Shiffrin, 30, won her first Olympic gold medal since 2018 in the giant slalom event, ending an eight-year drought since her last Olympic title. Shiffrin, the winningest skier in World Cup history, celebrated her victory with an espresso martini, her first drink in two years as she has maintained strict discipline in her training. The American star spoke with NBC News about the mantras and self-talk that helped her regain the top of the podium, as well as the importance of her home mountains in Colorado.

Why it matters

Shiffrin's long wait for another Olympic gold medal had become a central part of her legacy, despite her dominance on the World Cup circuit. This victory helps cement her status as one of the greatest skiers of her generation and underscores the mental fortitude required to perform at the highest level of the sport.

The details

Shiffrin, who grew up skiing in Edwards, Colorado, just outside of Vail, celebrated her slalom gold this week with an espresso martini, her first drink in two years as she has maintained strict discipline in her training. In the interview, Shiffrin spoke about the importance of daily structure and consistency in her preparation, as well as the mantras and self-talk that helped her regain her focus on the slopes.

  • Shiffrin won her first Olympic gold medal in slalom in 2014, making her the youngest skier to ever win an Olympic gold medal in that event.
  • Shiffrin's eight-year drought since her last Olympic medal had become a central part of her legacy, despite her continued dominance on the World Cup circuit.
  • Shiffrin won the gold medal in the giant slalom event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan on February 18, 2026.

The players

Mikaela Shiffrin

A 30-year-old American alpine skier who is considered one of the greatest skiers of her generation, having won a record number of World Cup races. She won her first Olympic gold medal in slalom in 2014 at the age of 18, making her the youngest skier to ever win an Olympic gold medal in that event.

Mikaela Shiffrin's mother

Shiffrin's mother has played a key role in her daughter's career, instilling many of the mental mantras and techniques that Shiffrin has relied on throughout her career.

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What they’re saying

“Remind me that despite fear, I still want to feel connected and powerful. They've heard me talk about the different feelings I've had with my best skiing over the years so they could remind me of that. Somebody would say, 'Unleash.' Someone would say, 'Break the chains.'”

— Mikaela Shiffrin, Olympic gold medalist (NBC News)

“The more nervous you feel, the more intensity you want to have in your turns. The bigger the heartbeat, the bigger the heart.”

— Mikaela Shiffrin, Olympic gold medalist (NBC News)

What’s next

Shiffrin will look to continue her momentum from the Olympics as she competes in the remaining six World Cup races of the season, where she currently leads the overall standings.

The takeaway

Shiffrin's triumph at the 2026 Olympics underscores the mental fortitude and discipline required to excel at the highest levels of alpine skiing. Her reliance on self-talk and mantras instilled by her mother serves as an inspiration for athletes across all sports who must overcome nerves and self-doubt to perform at their best.