Shiffrin misses podium in giant slalom at 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing event

Mikaela Shiffrin’s bid for another Olympic medal ended outside the top 10 in the women’s giant slalom at the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing competition in Milano Cortina, but the American star described her performance as a powerful step forward in her comeback journey.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist and eight-time world champion finished 11th in Sunday’s race, leading the United States contingent but missing out on the podium in one of her signature disciplines.

At 30, Shiffrin arrived in Italy targeting a third Olympic gold medal and further cementing her legacy in 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing. She already holds the record for the most World Cup wins by any alpine skier, male or female, and remains the only athlete to reach 100 victories on the circuit.

No medal, but a milestone moment

While she did not contend for the medals in the giant slalom, the result carries deeper significance given the adversity she has faced over the past year.

In November 2024, Shiffrin crashed during a giant slalom race, puncturing her abdomen in a fall that caused visible bleeding through her ski suit. She later revealed she experienced lingering trauma from the incident, admitting it affected her confidence on the slopes.

Returning to Olympic-level giant slalom competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing programme marks a notable recovery milestone.

Her teammates Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien finished 15th and 20th respectively, as Team USA fell short of the podium in the event.

Despite the result, Shiffrin struck a reflective and optimistic tone.

“That was like the greatest show of giant slalom skiing that we’ve had in a really long time,” Shiffrin told U.S. Ski and Snowboard. “To do it at the Olympics where people actually have eyes on the sport is so cool to watch. After returning to giant slalom and to racing after my injury last year I felt like there was no hope to be faster. But to be here now, not far from the fastest women, is huge for me so I’m proud of that.”

Her comments underline the competitive standard of the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing field, where fractions of a second separate medal positions from the rest of the pack.

Shiffrin’s legacy in alpine skiing

Shiffrin remains one of the most decorated athletes in the sport’s history. Beyond her Olympic success, she has dominated the World Cup circuit for more than a decade and rewritten record books across multiple disciplines, including slalom and giant slalom.

Her participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing events continues to draw global attention, particularly as she balances the pursuit of medals with a long-term recovery from injury.

When is Mikaela Shiffrin’s next event?

Shiffrin is set to compete in the women’s slalom on February 18:

• Women’s slalom run 1 | 4am ET
• Women’s slalom run 2 | 7:30am ET

The slalom is historically one of her strongest events and may present another opportunity to challenge for a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing competition.

How to watch 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing

In the United States, coverage of the Milano Cortina Games is available on NBC and USA Network, with streaming via Peacock.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing programme continues, all eyes will remain on Shiffrin, not only for medals, but for the resilience that has defined her return to the world’s biggest sporting stage.