Mikaela Shiffrin opens up about the most significant risk she’s faced professionally.

Mikaela Shiffrin continues to prove that her greatest challenge is no longer just the competition on the slopes, but the battle within her own mind—and she is steadily winning that fight.

Widely regarded as the most decorated alpine skier in history, the 31-year-old has built a legacy defined by dominance, consistency, and an unrelenting drive to improve. Her achievements speak volumes: she is a four-time Olympic gold medalist, has secured 18 Crystal Globe titles, and has claimed six overall World Cup championships. These accomplishments alone would cement her place among the sport’s legends, but Shiffrin has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible.

During the 2025–2026 season, she added yet another remarkable milestone to her résumé. She set a new record for the most slalom victories in a single season, winning nine out of 10 races. This feat contributes to her already astonishing career totals of 110 World Cup wins and 168 podium finishes. These numbers do more than highlight her success—they reinforce her status as arguably the greatest alpine skier of all time.

Yet, as the saying goes, immense success often comes with immense pressure. For Shiffrin, the weight of expectation is something she has had to learn to navigate over the years. Holding the Crystal Globe is not just a symbol of victory—it also represents the burden of being at the very top of the sport.

With the ski season now behind her, Shiffrin reflected in an interview with Women’s Health on the mental challenges she faced. Despite competing in her third Olympic Games, she admitted that experience did not necessarily make dealing with external pressures any easier. The narratives created by media and fans can be overwhelming, and she acknowledged that no amount of preparation can fully equip an athlete to handle them.

According to Shiffrin, being among the best in the world carries a unique kind of responsibility. Over time, she has come to understand that success brings not only recognition but also heightened scrutiny. During the Olympics in particular, she feels the added pressure of representing her sport to a global audience, many of whom only tune in once every four years.

One of the most difficult moments for her came during the Games in Cortina, when she found herself alone in her hotel room reflecting on how to communicate her journey and experiences. She struggled with the challenge of sharing her story and conveying the essence of ski racing to the public, all while dealing with the noise surrounding her. Eventually, she realized that trying to control every narrative was futile. At some point, she had to let go and focus on her performance rather than attempting to respond to every external opinion.

In an effort to strengthen her mental resilience, Shiffrin made a bold and somewhat unconventional decision. She chose to integrate her psychologist into her core team, working alongside her coaches and support staff. This move was intended to create a more unified and aligned environment as she prepared for the season and the Olympics.

Although the decision initially felt risky, it ultimately proved to be highly beneficial. Shiffrin admitted that opening up in such a vulnerable way to those she works with daily was not easy. She questioned whether her coaches truly wanted to understand the deeper emotional and psychological aspects of her experience. However, by allowing them insight into her thoughts and feelings, she was able to build stronger connections and foster a sense of unity within her team.

This openness required her to shed a layer of emotional armor that she had long relied on. By doing so, she developed a greater ability to compartmentalize and manage different aspects of her life and career. Sharing her internal struggles, particularly during difficult moments, became a crucial step in maintaining balance and staying grounded.

Shiffrin emphasized that this level of transparency helped her feel more connected, not only to her team but also to the process itself. It allowed everyone around her to better understand her needs and support her more effectively, ultimately contributing to her success on the slopes.

Another key factor in managing the pressures of elite competition is the support system within the skiing community. Shiffrin highlighted the unique camaraderie that exists among athletes in her sport. Despite being fierce competitors, many of them share a genuine sense of mutual respect and encouragement.

She described the environment as being similar to a family, where athletes come together not only to compete but also to support one another. This sense of unity provides comfort and reassurance, especially during high-pressure events. Knowing that others are experiencing similar challenges can make a significant difference in how she copes with the demands of competition.

In addition to mental training and emotional support, Shiffrin has also अपनाया lighter, more unconventional strategies to manage anxiety. One such approach involves a simple pre-race ritual: eating one or two sour gummy candies before competing. This habit originated from advice she received from her physical therapist, who noted that sour flavors can help interrupt anxiety cycles. While it may seem trivial, Shiffrin found the practice both enjoyable and effective.

Despite all the complexities of her mental preparation, there is one aspect of skiing that remains constant for her—the feeling of crossing the finish line. Regardless of the outcome, that moment holds deep significance.

In recent years, injuries have made reaching the finish line far from guaranteed. In November 2024, Shiffrin experienced a serious crash during a giant slalom race at the Stifel Killington Cup. The accident resulted in a puncture wound to her abdomen and significant muscle trauma, requiring surgery and an intensive period of rehabilitation.

Remarkably, she returned to competition after just two months, achieving her 100th World Cup victory in February 2025. This comeback not only demonstrated her physical resilience but also her mental toughness.

Because of these experiences, every completed race now carries added meaning. Crossing the finish line is no longer just about performance—it is a moment of relief, gratitude, and affirmation. For Shiffrin, it represents survival, perseverance, and the simple joy of being able to compete.

Each time she reaches the end of a run, it serves as a reminder of everything she has overcome. It is a celebration of being whole, present, and able to continue pursuing the sport she loves.

Ultimately, Shiffrin’s journey highlights that even the greatest athletes face internal battles that are just as challenging as any external competition. By confronting these challenges head-on and embracing vulnerability, she has not only enhanced her performance but also deepened her connection to the sport.

Her story is a testament to the importance of mental strength, self-awareness, and the willingness to evolve. As she continues to push the limits of alpine skiing, it is clear that her greatest victories are not just measured in medals and records, but in her ability to master her own mind.