“Don’t want to be taking a spot that I don’t earn”- Mikaela Shiffrin gets candid about her ability to participate in the Winter Olympics

Mikaela Shiffrin discussed the prospect of competing at the Winter Olympics in February 2026, with the ski season starting in a month. In her most recent interview, the American athlete discussed her training and future objectives for the season.

Shiffrin faced various hurdles throughout the 2025 season, including being injured in a horrific crash, undergoing recovery, and successfully returning to the slopes near the end of the season. After the season ended, Mikaela Shiffrin had some time off before returning to the slopes to practice for the forthcoming season, which includes the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

She spoke with Olympics.com about the US ski team and the potential of competing at the quadrennial games. The American athlete stated that the US ski team had a strong contingent of competitors this season and that she would only join the squad if she deserved a spot among the country’s best athletes.

Furthermore, Shiffrin stated that she was willing to let go of her Olympic spot if another skier performed better than her.

“So I enjoy it, and even if I don’t race it in the Olympics, it’s not out of the question for me overall. Perhaps it’s just one of those instances where the timing is off. One aspect of the Games that I’m always very aware of, especially this year, is that we have a tremendous (U.S.) team of athletes with numerous medal contenders. I do not want to take a position that I did not earn or deserve. So I’m quite fine with letting go of that when the time comes, if that’s how it works,” she remarked.

She stated her excitement about returning to the slopes and competing in the 2025-26 ski season.

Mikaela Shiffrin discusses preparation for the next season.

Mikaela Shiffrin at the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup – Women’s Giant Slalom – Source: Getty

Mikaela Shiffrin shared a short Instagram message regarding her training for the next season. The American athlete stated that she was enjoying the preparation phase and refining several facets of her performance.

Shiffrin admitted to feeling scared upon her comeback to competition, but stated that she was settling in.

“I am quite happy. After how I finished last season, it was a waiting game, and in the end, racing was the next stage in the preparation phase to obtain the race mentality, and I felt like my mind and body were connected today – I was so scared all week,” she explained.

The American athlete aims to prepare mentally and physically to compete with the world’s finest skiers.

“Our Focus Right Now”: Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde Reveal Their Shared Vision for Both Retirement And Building A Home

In the world of alpine skiing, Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde are names that echo with excellence, grace, and resilience. Yet beyond their individual achievements lies a love story that continues to capture hearts worldwide. Together, the American and Norwegian stars have managed to balance their high-pressure athletic careers with a grounded, genuine relationship that radiates warmth. Recently, in a heartfelt conversation, both revealed what they’re focusing on right now — and their answer had little to do with fame or trophies.

A Relationship Built on Understanding and Shared Purpose

When Shiffrin and Kilde first made their relationship public in 2021, fans were instantly intrigued by how naturally they complemented one another. Both are fiercely competitive athletes, yet they’ve built their bond on mutual respect, laughter, and shared goals. “We understand what the other goes through — the pressure, the fatigue, the expectations,” Kilde said in a recent interview. “That understanding is what makes our relationship strong.”

For Shiffrin, who has spent most of her adult life in the public eye, finding someone who truly gets her world has been invaluable. “There’s something very grounding about being with someone who lives this same lifestyle,” she explained. “We both know what it takes — the early mornings, the recovery, the mental challenges. That kind of connection doesn’t need many words.”

The couple’s focus, they said, isn’t just about medals or breaking records anymore — it’s about balance, happiness, and looking toward the future with purpose.

The Priority: Staying Present and Enjoying the Journey

Despite being two of the most decorated athletes on the slopes, both Shiffrin and Kilde have learned the importance of slowing down. “Our focus right now is on being present,” Shiffrin said. “We’re both still competing at a high level, but we’ve realized how important it is to enjoy where we are.”

After her difficult crash at Killington in 2023 and Kilde’s injury during the 2024 season, both were reminded of how fragile a skier’s career can be. Those moments of uncertainty brought new perspective. “You start thinking differently after those experiences,” Kilde shared. “You realize what truly matters — your health, your family, and the people who stand by you no matter what.”

Their time together off the slopes has become sacred — hikes, quiet mornings with coffee, and laughter-filled training days. These are the moments that help them recharge and refocus. “We try not to let everything be about racing,” Shiffrin said. “We’ve built a space where we can just be us — not athletes, not competitors — just two people who love each other and the life we’re building.”

The Road to Milan-Cortina 2026

While their focus on personal well-being is central, neither Shiffrin nor Kilde is stepping away from competition anytime soon. Both are eyeing the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina — and for good reason. The event will mark another opportunity for them to represent their countries at the pinnacle of their sport, potentially their final Olympics as active athletes.

“For both of us, Milan-Cortina is a huge goal,” Kilde confirmed. “But we’re approaching it differently than before — not just as a race we want to win, but as an experience we want to truly live.”

Shiffrin, who already has an astounding number of World Cup victories and Olympic medals, emphasized that her motivation now comes from passion, not pressure. “I want to keep skiing because I still love it,” she said. “The results will come, but I’m focusing on the feeling — the speed, the freedom, the connection to the snow. That’s what keeps me going.”

Together, the couple plans to support each other through the long season leading up to the Games, even if their schedules sometimes pull them apart. “We might not always be in the same place, but we’re always connected,” Kilde said. “We celebrate each other’s wins and lift each other up after setbacks.”

Navigating Fame and Privacy Together

As public figures, Shiffrin and Kilde’s relationship has attracted global attention. But both have handled the spotlight with remarkable grace. They share glimpses of their life together — a funny video, a heartfelt birthday message, or a training moment — yet they also know when to step back and protect their privacy.

“People see us as this perfect couple, but we’re just human,” Shiffrin explained. “We have our challenges too, like anyone else. The difference is we’ve learned how to communicate, how to support without overwhelming each other.”

Their openness isn’t about fame — it’s about authenticity. “We don’t hide who we are,” Kilde said. “But we also don’t share everything. Some moments are just for us — and those are often the most meaningful.”

Planning for Life Beyond Racing

As both athletes enter the later stages of their competitive careers, conversations about the future have become more frequent. Kilde has hinted that retirement might not be far off, while Shiffrin remains uncertain about how long she’ll continue racing. What’s clear, though, is that they’re thinking about life beyond the slopes — and they’re thinking about it together.

“I’d love to stay connected to skiing in some way,” Kilde admitted. “Coaching, mentoring, or even working in sports development — something that gives back to the sport that’s given us so much.”

Shiffrin has echoed similar thoughts but adds that she dreams of a quieter, more balanced future. “I’d love to have a family someday,” she said softly. “But I also want to use my experience to inspire the next generation — to show them that excellence doesn’t have to come at the expense of happiness.”

Love as Their Greatest Victory

Perhaps what makes Shiffrin and Kilde’s story so inspiring is how real it feels. In an era where perfection is often curated online, their relationship stands as a reminder that love thrives not in the spotlight, but in the small moments — the shared laughter, the long hugs after a tough race, the understanding look before a big start.

“Our focus right now is on each other,” Kilde said simply. “On supporting, learning, and growing together. That’s what keeps everything else in perspective.”

For Shiffrin, that mutual focus is what gives her strength on and off the mountain. “We’re both still chasing big dreams,” she said. “But we’ve learned that love and happiness aren’t separate from success — they’re part of it.”

Conclusion: A Partnership Defined by Purpose

Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s love story continues to evolve — not as a fairytale, but as a real, grounded partnership between two people who have chosen to grow together through life’s challenges. Their current focus isn’t just about winning the next race or collecting more medals; it’s about cherishing the moment, building a foundation for the future, and holding onto what truly matters.

As they look toward another demanding season and the approach of the 2026 Winter Olympics, one thing is clear: they are not just racing toward glory — they are building a life together, one filled with mutual respect, unwavering support, and a deep appreciation for the journey they share.

And in that journey, love remains their greatest triumph.