Mikaela Shiffrin ‘motivated but realistic’ as she sets sights on gold ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are on the horizon for the world’s greatest skiers. It will be especially significant for Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States, who has recovered from a catastrophic injury in time for the new Alpine Ski World Cup season, which began on October 25 in Solden. She has discussed her “beautiful dream” of a successful 2025/26 season.

Mikaela Shiffrin hopes to win titles at the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February.

The American skiing star has had a difficult number of years due to injuries, necessitating a period of recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The 30-year-old, who won two Olympic gold medals in slalom at the 2014 Sochi Games and giant slalom at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, had a light training regimen heading into the Alpine Ski World Cup, which began in Solden last weekend.

She admits to having a “realistic” attitude on her chances of success in the World Cup and Winter Olympics, which can be watched live on TNT Sports and Discovery+.

The overall World Cup title, won by the skier with the most points throughout 37 events in four disciplines (slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and downhill), remains a goal, and Shiffrin started with 50 points in the giant slalom in Solden.

“I feel as motivated as ever, but I also feel realistic about the position I’m in right now, not necessarily going into the season feeling like I’m one of the fastest athletes,” Shiffrin told the magazine.

“I believe I have the potential to be in the mix when I am skiing at my best and most confident, which happens on occasion but not always.”

“The overall [title] is a lovely thing to dream about, and those dreams haven’t ceased for me. But right now, I’m feeling realistic and taking the season one step at a time.”

Shiffrin admitted that the Winter Olympics are “pressure”.

“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,” she told the audience.

“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 prioritise the things that are more important for you as an athlete.”

Shiffrin has previously performed at Milano Cortina. She earned her maiden downhill podium in 2018, a super-G win in 2019, and four medals, including gold, at the 2021 World Championships.

“I truly enjoy going to Cortina. Overall, it’s one of my favourite spots, and I’m quite excited,” Shiffrin explained.

“Being in a familiar environment, considering my Olympic history, is quite important. Especially after the previous Games in one of the most strange places [Beijing] and most terrible time periods with Covid, and the isolation that we all felt.”

Shiffrin spoke about her injury recovery and progress heading into the 2025/26 season, saying, “It’s been an incredible journey to work from the end of last season, where I had a total mind-body disconnect, to where I am now, where I feel more in control of the improvements I’m making, where I want to be skiing.”

She continued, “If nothing else, my Olympic experience has taught me to keep an open mind and to surround myself with individuals I trust in order to be on the same page as my team.

“I feel like we’re going into the season in a really good place, so I’m optimistic about that – the Olympics have been wonderful to me.”

The 2026 Winter Games will be broadcast live on Discovery+ and TNT Sports from February 6-22.