Mikaela Shiffrin’s Olympic Quest: A Look Ahead at Alpine Skiing’s Future
Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated alpine skier in history, continues her pursuit of Olympic gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. Despite a remarkable career boasting over 100 World Cup wins, an Olympic medal has remained elusive since her silver in the individual combined event at PyeongChang 2018. Her recent performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics saw a fourth-place finish in the women’s team combined event, adding to the pressure as she aims for a podium finish in the giant slalom on Sunday.
The Weight of Expectations and the Mental Game
Shiffrin’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. A significant crash in November 2024, resulting in an abdominal injury, led to post-traumatic stress disorder and a struggle to regain her confidence on the slopes. This highlights a growing trend in elite sports: the increasing recognition of the mental toll on athletes. The ability to manage pressure, overcome setbacks, and maintain mental fortitude is becoming as crucial as physical prowess.
Pro Tip: Elite athletes are increasingly working with sports psychologists to develop mental resilience strategies, including mindfulness techniques and visualization exercises.
The Rise of Team Dynamics in Alpine Skiing
The women’s team combined event, where Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson competed, demonstrates a shift towards team-based events in alpine skiing. While individual brilliance remains paramount, the emphasis on collaborative performance is growing. This trend mirrors changes in other sports, where team cohesion and strategic depth are highly valued.
Speed Skating’s Continued Momentum
Alongside Shiffrin’s alpine ambitions, Erin Jackson is aiming to defend her gold medal in the women’s 500m speed skating final. Jackson’s breakout performance at the 2022 Olympics underscored the sport’s appeal and accessibility, attracting new fans and participants. Speed skating continues to be a consistent source of medal opportunities for Team USA.
The Broader Olympic Landscape: A Focus on Accessibility
The Milan Cortina Games, running through February 22nd, feature 119 events and 245 medals. Broadcasting on NBC and Peacock, the Games aim to reach a wider audience. This accessibility is a key focus for the International Olympic Committee, seeking to engage younger demographics and maintain relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Men’s Hockey: A Competitive Arena
The United States men’s hockey team faces Germany following a win against Denmark. Men’s ice hockey remains a highly competitive event, with a growing number of nations challenging traditional powerhouses like Canada and the United States. The increasing global participation adds to the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament.
Winter Olympics Schedule for Sunday, February 15th
| Curling | Men’s round-robin: Germany vs. Great Britain, Norway vs. Italy, USA vs. Sweden | 3:05 a.m. | No |
| Alpine Skiing | Women’s Giant Slalom Run 1 | 4 a.m. | No |
| Bobsled | Women’s Monobob Run 1 | 4 a.m. | No |
| Snowboarding | Men’s Slopestyle Qualifying | 4:15 a.m. | No |
| Freestyle Skiing | Men’s Dual Moguls Finals | 4:30 a.m. | Yes |
| Biathlon | Men’s 12.5km Pursuit | 5:15 a.m. | Yes |
| Ski Jumping | Men’s Long Hill Training 3 | 5:30 a.m. | No |
| Bobsled | Women’s Monobob Heat 2 | 5:50 a.m. | No |
| Ice Hockey | Men’s Preliminary, Switzerland vs. Czechia | 6:10 a.m. | No |
| Alpine Skiing | Women’s Giant Slalom Run 2 | 7:30 a.m. | Yes |
| Snowboarding | Mixed Team Cross Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Finals | 7:45 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Yes |
| Curling | Women’s Round-Robin: Japan vs. Korea, Denmark vs. Italy, Great Britain vs. Sweden, USA vs. China | 8:05 a.m. | No |
| Biathlon | Women’s 10km Pursuit | 8:45 a.m. | Yes |
| Speed Skating | Men’s Team Pursuit Quarterfinals | 10 a.m. | No |
| Ice Hockey | Men’s Preliminary: Canada vs. France | 10:40 a.m. | No |
| Speed Skating | Women’s 500m | 11 a.m. | Yes |
| Skeleton | Mixed Team | 12 p.m. | Yes |
| Ski Jumping | Women’s Long Hill Individual – Round 1 | 12:45 p.m. | No |
| Curling | Men’s Round-Robin: China vs. Canada, Norway vs. USA, Italy vs. Czechia, Great Britain vs. Switzerland | 1:05 p.m. | No |
| Ice Hockey | Men’s Preliminary: Denmark vs. Latvia | 1:10 p.m. | No |
| Freestyle Skiing | Men’s Freeski Big Air Qualification Runs 1-3 | 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. | No |
| Ski Jumping | Women’s Long Hill Individual Final | 1:57 p.m. | Yes |
| Ice Hockey | Men’s Preliminary: USA vs. Germany | 3:10 p.m. | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Mikaela Shiffrin’s best Olympic result? Her best Olympic result is a silver medal in the individual combined event at PyeongChang 2018.
- What challenges has Shiffrin faced recently? She has been recovering from a crash in November 2024 and managing post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Where can I watch the 2026 Winter Olympics? The Games are being broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
Stay updated with the latest medal counts and schedules on CBS Sports’ Olympic coverage. What are your predictions for Team USA’s performance in the remaining events? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
