Mikaela Shiffrin wins Olympic slalom title 12 years after first gold medal

Vail, Colorado native skier claims third career Olympic gold medal

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Mikaela Shiffrin, a 30-year-old skier from Vail, Colorado, has won the gold medal in the Olympic slalom event, 12 years after claiming her first Olympic title. Shiffrin, a 9-time World Cup slalom crystal globe winner, overcame a period of Olympic disappointment to clinch the victory in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

Why it matters

Shiffrin's victory is a major accomplishment, as she has dealt with the disconnect between her World Cup dominance and the public perception of her Olympic performances in recent years. This win helps cement her legacy as one of the greatest slalom skiers of her generation.

The details

Shiffrin parlayed a 0.82-second first-run lead into her third career Olympic gold medal, her first since 2018. She had gone 0-for-6 at the Beijing Olympics and placed 11th in the giant slalom earlier this week, but was able to overcome her doubts and push through to victory.

  • Shiffrin won her first Olympic gold medal in 2014.
  • She finished fourth at the 2018 Olympics in South Korea.
  • Shiffrin's father, Jeff, passed away in an accident at the family's home in Edwards, Colorado in 2020 at the age of 65.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The players

Mikaela Shiffrin

A 30-year-old professional skier from Vail, Colorado who has won 9 World Cup slalom crystal globes and is now a 3-time Olympic gold medalist.

Eileen Shiffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin's mother, who she embraced at the finish area after winning the gold medal.

Jeff Shiffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin's father, who passed away in an accident at the family's home in 2020 at the age of 65.

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What they’re saying

“I've cared so much about wanting everybody to know the reality and to not want to answer those questions. I've felt that way since taking fourth in South Korea. It's been so long that I've felt tired of questions that don't feel like they line up with the reality of our sport. But in order to do this today, I needed to accept the possibility that those questions would keep coming.”

— Mikaela Shiffrin (Vail Daily)

“This was a moment I have dreamed about — I've also been very scared of this moment. Everything in life that you do after you lose someone you love is like a new experience. And I still have so many moments where I resist this. I don't want to be in life without my dad. And maybe today was the first time that I could actually accept this, like, reality.”

— Mikaela Shiffrin (Vail Daily)

What’s next

Shiffrin will look to continue her success at the 2030 Winter Olympics, where she will have the opportunity to defend her slalom title and potentially add to her Olympic medal collection.

The takeaway

Mikaela Shiffrin's Olympic triumph is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of personal tragedy and public scrutiny. Her ability to overcome adversity and reclaim her Olympic glory solidifies her status as one of the greatest skiers of her generation.