Mikaela Shiffrin won gold at the Olympics in Milan
18 february 2026 в 22:13
Mikaela Shiffrin is one of the most decorated American alpine skiers in history, and on February 18, 2026, in Milan, she added another milestone to her career at the Winter Olympics. The U.S. star won gold in the women’s slalom, ending an eight-year medal drought at the Olympics and reaffirming her dominance on the world stage.
«I am very grateful to my team, my coaches, and everyone who has been there and helped me focus on what is most important—strong skiing, correct turns, just the right skiing», - Shiffrin said. «And that’s exactly what I was able to do today».
Here’s everything you need to know about her.
Mikaela Pauline Shiffrin, born on March 13, 1995, is one of the most decorated alpine skiers in Olympic history. She won her first gold medal in slalom at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, becoming the youngest Olympic champion in slalom at that time. At the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018, she added another gold in giant slalom and a silver in the alpine combined.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Shiffrin won another gold in slalom. Although she is primarily known for her dominance in slalom and giant slalom, she has also competed in speed events such as super-G and downhill, showcasing her versatility.
Shiffrin has rewritten records throughout her career. In 2023, she broke the long-standing record of Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark for the most World Cup victories in alpine skiing, becoming the most decorated skier—both male and female—in World Cup history. She continues to increase this number, winning in various disciplines.
Shiffrin particularly excels in slalom, where she previously set the record for the most wins in a single World Cup discipline. Over the years, she has competed against rivals such as Slovak athlete Petra Vlhova in some of the most dramatic races, often coming from behind to secure narrow victories.
«Every time you manage to be a little faster than Petra, it’s incredible work», - Mikaela said in 2022, according to CNN. «She is very strong, makes no mistakes, skis slalom the way it should be. It’s impressive. It’s really a special sight. She had a special season, and it won’t end today, that’s for sure».
Shiffrin is engaged to Norwegian alpine skier Alexander Aamodt Kilde, one of the top racers in speed events in the world. The couple announced their relationship in 2021 and often support each other during World Cup seasons, Olympic competitions, and recovery from injuries.
In April 2024, Shiffrin and Kilde announced their engagement, sharing the news with fans on social media. Both athletes have openly discussed how they balance their relationship with the demands of elite competition, often training and competing at different events while staying connected during long separations.
Shiffrin speaks candidly about the high expectations that come with her status as one of the brightest stars on the U.S. team. After discussing athlete mental health issues at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she acknowledged that the public pressure leading up to the Beijing 2022 Olympics was significant.
«Pressure is always there, and you live with it, allowing it to push you», - she said in an interview with the Associated Press. «But you also can’t let it dominate you; you can’t let it take over your thinking». Shiffrin noted that some people believe Olympians should win «gold, or else it’s a huge disappointment», - which only increases stress for athletes.
«It goes even further. It wouldn’t be a 'disappointment'; people just wouldn’t see it as an opportunity. And what I know about that kind of pressure: winning is not easy»
«I am very grateful to my team, my coaches, and everyone who has been there and helped me focus on what is most important—strong skiing, correct turns, just the right skiing», - Shiffrin said. «And that’s exactly what I was able to do today».
Here’s everything you need to know about her.
Mikaela Pauline Shiffrin, born on March 13, 1995, is one of the most decorated alpine skiers in Olympic history. She won her first gold medal in slalom at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, becoming the youngest Olympic champion in slalom at that time. At the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018, she added another gold in giant slalom and a silver in the alpine combined.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Shiffrin won another gold in slalom. Although she is primarily known for her dominance in slalom and giant slalom, she has also competed in speed events such as super-G and downhill, showcasing her versatility.
Shiffrin has rewritten records throughout her career. In 2023, she broke the long-standing record of Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark for the most World Cup victories in alpine skiing, becoming the most decorated skier—both male and female—in World Cup history. She continues to increase this number, winning in various disciplines.
Shiffrin particularly excels in slalom, where she previously set the record for the most wins in a single World Cup discipline. Over the years, she has competed against rivals such as Slovak athlete Petra Vlhova in some of the most dramatic races, often coming from behind to secure narrow victories.
«Every time you manage to be a little faster than Petra, it’s incredible work», - Mikaela said in 2022, according to CNN. «She is very strong, makes no mistakes, skis slalom the way it should be. It’s impressive. It’s really a special sight. She had a special season, and it won’t end today, that’s for sure».
Shiffrin is engaged to Norwegian alpine skier Alexander Aamodt Kilde, one of the top racers in speed events in the world. The couple announced their relationship in 2021 and often support each other during World Cup seasons, Olympic competitions, and recovery from injuries.
In April 2024, Shiffrin and Kilde announced their engagement, sharing the news with fans on social media. Both athletes have openly discussed how they balance their relationship with the demands of elite competition, often training and competing at different events while staying connected during long separations.
Shiffrin speaks candidly about the high expectations that come with her status as one of the brightest stars on the U.S. team. After discussing athlete mental health issues at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she acknowledged that the public pressure leading up to the Beijing 2022 Olympics was significant.
«Pressure is always there, and you live with it, allowing it to push you», - she said in an interview with the Associated Press. «But you also can’t let it dominate you; you can’t let it take over your thinking». Shiffrin noted that some people believe Olympians should win «gold, or else it’s a huge disappointment», - which only increases stress for athletes.
«It goes even further. It wouldn’t be a 'disappointment'; people just wouldn’t see it as an opportunity. And what I know about that kind of pressure: winning is not easy»
© Artemenko Olga
