Mikaela Shiffrin Wins Slalom Gold at Olympics

The winningest alpine skier ever delivers a gold medal masterpiece under extraordinary pressure.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Mikaela Shiffrin, the 30-year-old skier from Edwards, Colorado, won the gold medal in the slalom event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. This is Shiffrin's first Olympic medal since the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and comes after a disappointing performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Why it matters

Shiffrin's victory is a redemption story after she faced intense public scrutiny and doubt following her previous Olympic disappointments. As the winningest alpine skier ever, her gold medal win reaffirms her status as one of the greatest skiers of her generation.

The details

Despite the pressure and public questioning of her abilities, Shiffrin delivered a masterful performance in the slalom event. She squatted in disbelief at the finish line, hugged her fellow medalists, and emotionally embraced her mother and original coach, Eileen. Shiffrin's victory comes after she failed to medal in the team combined and finished 11th in the giant slalom at these Olympics.

  • Mikaela Shiffrin won the gold medal in the slalom event on February 18, 2026.

The players

Mikaela Shiffrin

A 30-year-old alpine skier from Edwards, Colorado, and the winningest alpine skier ever.

Eileen Shiffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin's mother and original coach.

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What they’re saying

“We're done here, folks. I guess the grouches can let a meh day in the team combined or an 11th place in the giant slalom spoil their vibe, but Mikaela Shiffrin is restored as an Olympic champion.”

— Jason Gay (wsj.com)

The takeaway

Mikaela Shiffrin's gold medal victory in the slalom event is a redemption story that reaffirms her status as one of the greatest alpine skiers of her generation. Her emotional win comes after facing intense public scrutiny and doubt following her previous Olympic disappointments, proving her mental toughness and resilience in the face of adversity.