Mikaela Shiffrin Discusses the Emotional Cost of Playing for the United States at the Olympics

Mikaela Shiffrin explained that competing for your country provides not just emotional pride, but also enormous pressure and a strong sense of responsibility to everyone who supports you, including family, fans, teammates, and coaches.

When those expectations aren’t realized, Shiffrin says it can be difficult to live with the story.

What did Mikaela Shiffrin say about representing her country?

Shiffrin failed to win any medals at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, despite competing in several events.

In a recent interview with Powder.com, she discussed the emotional pressure of competing for the USA on the Olympic stage. She stated, “There’s this kind of pressure that comes with wanting with all of your soul to perform for your country, to represent your home, family, friends, and fans, and everyone who’s worked with you along the way, your whole team.”

“Not being able to exceed whatever expectations might be set, repercussions might not be the right word, but let’s go with that for now, it can be hard to live in that narrative and still prioritize the things that are more important for you as an athlete,” says the 30-year-old.

Shiffrin has been named to the 2022-26 Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team, alongside Lindsey Vonn, who returned from retirement last season, and Ryan Cochran-Siegle, the 2022 Olympics Super-G medalist. She will compete in her fourth Olympics and hopes to redeem herself.

The skiing prodigy initially made headlines during the 2014 Winter Olympics, where she won slalom gold and became the event’s youngest Olympic winner. In her three Olympic appearances, she has won two additional medals, including a giant slalom gold and a combined silver in the 2018 Games.

Shiffrin opens out on his current form and readiness for the upcoming season.

Shiffrin recently admitted to not feeling at her optimal performance level as the new alpine skiing season begins. Last season, the American made history by exceeding the 100-win mark and culminating with her 101st World Cup victory in the slalom at the Sun Valley Finals in Idaho on March 27, 2025.

In a recent interview with People.com, she discussed her current form, stating that she is not at winning speed. That can be a difficult pill to swallow, especially as race season approaches. It’s like, ‘I need to be ready to run, but I’m not.'”

Shiffrin, who is currently not race-ready, has a history of successful comebacks. Last season, after a huge setback, a serious crash and puncture injury in Killington in November, she recovered well to win her 101st career race. Following her return, she won team gold in the women’s combined event with her compatriot Breezy Johnson.

Article written by Abhiruchi Rout.