A Rocky Start Turns to Redemption (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Mikaela Shiffrin claimed gold in the women’s slalom at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, delivering a commanding performance in her signature event.[1][2]
A Rocky Start Turns to Redemption
Shiffrin entered her third race of the Games under pressure after missing the podium in her initial outings. She finished 11th in the giant slalom and placed outside the medals in another early event.[3] These setbacks extended an eight-event Olympic medal drought that dated back to previous Games. Yet the American skier refused to falter, channeling her experience into the technical demands of slalom.[2]
The Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre provided ideal conditions with clear skies and firm snow. Organizers heightened the drama by playing music before her runs, underscoring the weight of expectations. Shiffrin later reflected on finding her rhythm amid the scrutiny.[2]
Flawless Runs Seal the Victory
Shiffrin set the fastest time in the first run at 47.13 seconds, grabbing an 0.82-second lead over the field. She navigated a tricky mid-course combination with precision, pushing her limits without error.[4] In the second run, she clocked 51.97 seconds, nearly matching her teammate’s pace while extending her advantage to 1.50 seconds overall for a winning total of 1:39.10.[1]
Switzerland’s Camille Rast earned silver at 1:40.60, while Sweden’s Anna Swenn Larsson took bronze in 1:40.81. Several contenders faltered in the second run, including Germany’s Lena Duerr and Sweden’s Sara Hector with DNFs.[4]
| Position | Athlete | Country | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mikaela Shiffrin | USA | 1:39.10 |
| 2 | Camille Rast | SUI | 1:40.60 |
| 3 | Anna Swenn Larsson | SWE | 1:40.81 |
Emotions Run High at the Finish
Shiffrin crossed the line emotional, tears flowing as she embraced her mother, Eileen, a longtime coach. She raised her pole to the crowd and shared moments with rivals like Petra Vlhova.[4] After the first run, she described the intensity: “It felt very good, really good skiing. I was also a bit on the limit.”[2]
Teammates Paula Moltzan placed eighth and AJ Hurt 19th, bolstering the U.S. effort. Nina O’Brien did not finish the first run. Shiffrin’s win marked her third Olympic gold and fourth medal overall, solidifying her as one of America’s top winter athletes.[4]
Building a Storied Legacy
Already holder of 108 World Cup victories, Shiffrin now ties legends like Shaun White for U.S. Winter Olympic golds. Her slalom prowess shone again, echoing her 2014 Sochi triumph.[1] Overcoming injuries, grief, and high stakes, she closed the Milano Cortina chapter triumphantly.
- Fastest Run 1 time: 47.13 seconds.
- Largest Olympic slalom margin since her career started.
- First U.S. gold in women’s slalom at these Games.
- Extended lead doubled from 0.82 to 1.50 seconds.
Key Takeaways:
- Shiffrin’s resilience turned early disappointments into historic gold.
- Dominant by 1.50 seconds, her biggest Olympic slalom win margin.
- Third gold cements status as alpine great.
Shiffrin’s victory reminds athletes that perseverance pays off under the brightest lights. What do you think about her comeback? Tell us in the comments.
