Mikaela Shiffrin Dominates Women's Slalom, Ends 8-Year Olympic Drought

American ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin claims gold in women's slalom event at 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Mikaela Shiffrin, the American ski racing star, has capped off her turbulent 12-year Olympic career by winning the women's slalom event at the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Shiffrin dominated the competition, winning by a massive 1.50-second margin to claim her first Olympic gold medal in the slalom since 2014.

Why it matters

Shiffrin's victory ends an 8-year Olympic drought in the women's slalom, an event she had previously dominated. Her triumph is a major milestone in her storied career, which has included numerous World Cup titles and medals but had been marked by disappointment at recent Olympics.

The details

In the women's slalom final, Shiffrin posted the fastest times in both runs to win by a huge 1.50-second margin over the silver medalist. This was Shiffrin's first Olympic gold in the slalom since the 2014 Sochi Games, ending an 8-year drought for the American star in her signature event.

  • The women's slalom event took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
  • Shiffrin's last Olympic gold in slalom was at the 2014 Sochi Games.

The players

Mikaela Shiffrin

A 31-year-old American ski racer who is considered one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time, with multiple World Cup titles and Olympic medals.

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What they’re saying

“This victory means so much to me after the disappointments of the past few Olympics. I'm thrilled to finally get that elusive gold medal in the slalom again.”

— Mikaela Shiffrin (nhregister.com)

The takeaway

Mikaela Shiffrin's dominant performance in the women's slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics cements her legacy as one of the all-time greats in alpine skiing, overcoming past disappointments to reclaim Olympic gold in her signature event.