Mikaela Shiffrin ‘Still Feels Jitters,’ Reveals Reduced World Cup Schedule Ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Even the greatest athletes in the world are not immune to nerves. For Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier of her generation, the familiar feeling of pre-race jitters still lingers — even after more than a decade of dominance on the World Cup circuit. As the American superstar prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, she has revealed plans to scale back her World Cup schedule to focus on staying healthy, mentally strong, and ready for the biggest event of her career.

In a recent interview, Shiffrin admitted that despite her vast experience and unparalleled success, she still gets butterflies before competitions. “It doesn’t go away,” she said with a smile. “No matter how many races I’ve done or how many times I’ve stood in the start gate, I still feel the jitters. It’s a reminder that I care deeply about what I do.” For fans who have followed her remarkable career, those words are a testament to the humility and human side of a skier who has often been described as a machine on snow.

Shiffrin’s decision to reduce her World Cup schedule isn’t about losing drive or motivation — quite the opposite. After battling a series of injuries and enduring a challenging recovery period in recent seasons, she has chosen to prioritize longevity and quality over quantity. “It’s about being strategic,” she explained. “In past years, I’ve tried to do everything — slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill — but the toll on my body and mind has been significant. Heading into Milano-Cortina, I want to make sure I’m at my best, not just physically but mentally.”

That shift in mindset comes as Shiffrin continues to navigate the challenges of balancing expectation, recovery, and preparation. In 2024, she sustained a knee injury that forced her to miss several key races, reminding her that even the strongest athletes have limits. The experience has reshaped how she approaches competition. “I used to think more races meant more opportunities,” she said. “Now I see that rest, recovery, and focus are just as important. It’s not about doing everything — it’s about doing the right things.”

Her adjusted schedule will likely see her skip certain speed events, such as the downhill, where the physical demands are highest. Instead, she plans to concentrate on her strongest disciplines — slalom and giant slalom — while selectively competing in super-G races when conditions are favorable. “I love the variety of disciplines, but I have to be smart,” Shiffrin noted. “The goal isn’t to chase every podium. The goal is to peak at the right time — and that’s the Olympics.”

The 2026 Winter Games will hold special meaning for Shiffrin, who has already secured two Olympic gold medals and a legacy that places her among the greatest athletes in winter sports history. Yet for her, Milano-Cortina represents something deeper — a chance at redemption and renewal after the heartbreak of Beijing 2022, where she famously failed to finish three events that were expected to be her strongest. That experience, painful as it was, taught her lessons she still carries today. “That Olympics was one of the toughest moments of my life,” she reflected. “But it forced me to grow. I learned that failure doesn’t define you — how you respond does.”

Her response since then has been nothing short of remarkable. Shiffrin returned to dominate the World Cup circuit, breaking the all-time record for World Cup victories — a milestone that solidified her place in skiing history. Yet even as the accolades piled up, she has remained grounded and introspective. “People see the results, the records,” she said, “but what they don’t always see is the struggle behind it — the travel, the pressure, the fatigue. It’s a beautiful sport, but it can be brutal on your body and your mind.”

This season, Shiffrin’s focus is on sustainability. Her team, including longtime coach Karin Harjo and partner Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, have encouraged her to prioritize recovery and quality training sessions. Kilde, who has faced his own injury challenges, has been a strong voice of support. “Aleks understands better than anyone what it takes to stay at this level,” Shiffrin said. “He’s been reminding me that it’s okay to slow down when needed — that taking care of yourself is part of being the best.”

The idea of Shiffrin “slowing down” may sound strange to those who’ve watched her win with machine-like consistency for years, but it’s part of a broader evolution in her career. At 30, she’s no longer the teenage prodigy chasing her first titles — she’s a seasoned champion redefining what it means to perform at the highest level. “There’s a maturity that comes with time,” she explained. “When I was younger, I wanted to prove myself every race. Now I’m focused on purpose — on doing what feels right for me, not what the world expects.”

Her reduced schedule is also expected to allow for more focused preparation for the Olympics, both technically and mentally. The slopes of Milano-Cortina will pose unique challenges, with variable terrain and conditions that demand adaptability. “Every Olympic course is different,” Shiffrin said. “You can’t just rely on experience — you have to prepare specifically. That’s why I want to enter next season fresh, sharp, and confident.”

Shiffrin’s fans have largely embraced her decision, applauding her honesty and commitment to self-care. Social media has been filled with supportive messages from around the world, many commending her for acknowledging the mental and physical strain of elite sports. “She’s not just an athlete; she’s a role model,” one fan wrote. “It’s inspiring to see someone at her level admit that it’s okay to take a step back for your own well-being.”

For Shiffrin, those words mean more than any record. She has become an outspoken advocate for mental health in sports, often sharing how she copes with anxiety, loss, and performance pressure. Her openness about “still feeling jitters” has resonated deeply with younger athletes who look up to her. “Nerves are part of it,” she said. “If you care about what you do, you’ll always feel them. I’ve learned to see them not as fear but as energy — something that reminds me I’m alive and doing what I love.”

As the countdown to Milano-Cortina continues, Shiffrin’s path is clear: fewer races, more focus, and a renewed sense of balance. She knows that every decision she makes now will shape her performance in 2026 — and perhaps her legacy as an athlete who mastered not just the sport, but herself. “I still want to win,” she admitted with a grin. “That drive hasn’t gone anywhere. But I also want to enjoy the journey — to stand at the start gate knowing I’ve done everything right, that I’m healthy, happy, and ready.”

If her past is any indication, Mikaela Shiffrin’s new approach won’t slow her down — it will only make her stronger. The nerves may remain, but for a champion who has learned to embrace them, they’re not a weakness. They’re a sign that her fire still burns as brightly as ever. And when the world turns its eyes to Milano-Cortina in 2026, no one will doubt that Mikaela Shiffrin will once again be ready to rise, jitters and all.