Mikaela Shiffrin describes ‘almost out-of-body experience’ prior to winning Olympic gold on TODAY.

Mikaela Shiffrin opened up about a deeply intense and surreal moment she experienced just before securing Olympic gold, describing it as an “almost out-of-body experience” during an appearance on Today on Monday.

Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Shiffrin took viewers back to the start gate in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on February 18. As she prepared for her decisive slalom run, she watched the skier ahead of her, Lena Dürr, unexpectedly ski out early in the course. That sight immediately triggered a powerful memory for Shiffrin, bringing her back to the disappointment she endured at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where she also exited early in similar fashion.

For a brief moment, she found herself reliving that painful experience, but just as quickly, she grounded herself in the present. Instead of allowing doubt to take over, she described feeling a wave of support from those closest to her — her team and her family — which gave her a renewed sense of confidence and calm as she prepared to push out of the gate.

Shiffrin explained that one of her greatest concerns heading into the Games had been the fear of isolation. She had worried that the pressure of the Olympic stage might leave her feeling alone. However, the reality turned out to be the complete opposite. She said that, in that critical moment during the second slalom run, she felt surrounded by encouragement and unity, almost as if those supporting her were experiencing the race alongside her.

She also spoke emotionally about her late father, Jeff Shiffrin, who passed away in 2020. Thinking of him in that moment added another layer of meaning to her performance. She felt that her mindset — focusing on what truly mattered at the right time — was something that would have made him proud.

At the time of the interview, Shiffrin was in New York City as part of a media tour following a long and demanding winter season spent competing across Europe. Her return to the United States marked the end of a campaign that had been both physically taxing and remarkably successful.

Her luggage for the trip home was filled not just with personal belongings, but with the tangible rewards of her achievements. In addition to capturing her third Olympic gold medal, she also secured her sixth overall World Cup title. That accomplishment earned her the prestigious large Crystal Globe, awarded to the most consistent and successful skier over the course of the season.

Shiffrin’s journey throughout the World Cup calendar had been extensive. After beginning her campaign with a victory in a slalom event in Copper Mountain — located in her home state of Colorado — on November 30, she traveled across multiple countries in pursuit of success. Her schedule included races in Canada, Switzerland, France, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Czechia, Sweden, and finally Norway, where the World Cup Finals concluded.

The demanding travel and relentless competition highlighted the endurance required to maintain top-level performance over several months. Despite the intensity of the schedule, Shiffrin managed to sustain a high level of consistency, which ultimately played a key role in her securing the overall title.

During her appearance on TODAY, she was asked whether her Olympic gold medal in Cortina represented a sense of redemption following her struggles at the 2022 Beijing Games, where she failed to win a medal in six events. Her response reflected a nuanced perspective.

She acknowledged that there were elements of redemption in her victory, but she emphasized that the experience in Cortina felt distinct and separate from what had happened in Beijing. At the same time, she admitted that external narratives — including discussions about lingering “ghosts” from the previous Olympics or even talk of a supposed curse — had been impossible to ignore.

Shiffrin revealed that she tends to internalize such narratives, even when they may not be grounded in reality. She described how she sometimes absorbs these ideas and contemplates their possibility, demonstrating the mental challenges that can accompany elite competition.

To manage these pressures, she worked closely with a sports psychologist during the Milano Cortina Games. Together, they focused on maintaining a logical mindset and preventing negative thoughts from taking over. This approach helped her stay present and treat the Cortina experience as its own unique event, rather than allowing it to be overshadowed by past disappointments.

Interestingly, Shiffrin admitted that the experience of winning gold in Cortina almost feels surreal in hindsight. Because the World Cup season continued immediately afterward, she had little time to fully process or reflect on her Olympic success. The constant transition from one competition to the next created a sense of disorientation.

She joked about the whirlwind nature of her schedule, noting that after returning to the United States just two days prior to the interview, she still felt somewhat unsure of where she was. The comment underscored the demanding and fast-paced lifestyle that comes with being an elite athlete competing on a global stage.

Having celebrated her 31st birthday on March 13, Shiffrin also looked ahead to the future. She confirmed that she intends to continue competing for at least another season, keeping her options open beyond that point.

One major milestone within her reach is the opportunity to surpass Annemarie Moser-Pröll, the Austrian legend from the 1970s. Both athletes currently share the record for the most women’s overall World Cup titles, with six each. Another successful season would allow Shiffrin to stand alone at the top of that list.

As for her long-term plans, Shiffrin remained noncommittal. The question of how long she will continue competing remains open, with her decision likely to depend on a combination of factors, including her physical condition, motivation, and personal priorities.

The lighthearted tone of her uncertainty was captured during a playful exchange with TODAY anchor Craig Melvin. He expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of seeing her compete at the next Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place in the French Alps in 2030.

Shiffrin responded with a laugh, offering a non-definitive reply that suggested she is not ready to make long-term commitments just yet. Her reaction reflected both her sense of humor and her preference for taking things one step at a time.

Overall, Shiffrin’s reflections provided insight into the emotional and psychological dimensions of her journey. From confronting past disappointments to embracing the support of her team and family, she demonstrated the resilience and focus required to succeed at the highest level.

Her story from Cortina — marked by that fleeting “out-of-body” sensation — serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between memory, pressure, and performance. It also highlights how even the most accomplished athletes must navigate moments of doubt before achieving greatness.

As she continues her career, Shiffrin remains driven by both her passion for the sport and her desire to keep pushing her limits. Whether she adds to her already remarkable list of achievements or explores new paths in the years ahead, her legacy as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time is already firmly established.