Mikaela Shiffrin’s Olympic Medal Quest Stalled by Giant Slalom Setback
Mikaela Shiffrin, a prominent figure in American skiing, faced a setback in her quest for an Olympic medal during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. On February 15, 2026, she finished the women’s giant slalom event in 11th place, clocking a time of 2:14.42.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Giant Slalom Performance
Italy’s Federica Brignone secured the gold medal in this event, completing her run in 2:13.50. Meanwhile, Swedish skiers Sara Hector and Thea Louise Stjernesund tied for the silver medal.
Shiffrin’s Journey in the Competition
Shiffrin entered the second run in seventh place but was unable to gain enough time to reach the podium. This performance contrasts with her experience at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she did not finish her first run, preventing her from defending her gold medal won in 2018.
- Event: Women’s Giant Slalom
- Date: February 15, 2026
- Location: Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
- Mikaela Shiffrin’s Time: 2:14.42 (11th place)
- Gold Medal: Federica Brignone (2:13.50)
- Silver Medalists: Sara Hector and Thea Louise Stjernesund
Shiffrin’s Olympic medal drought continues, as this is her second missed opportunity at these Games. Earlier, she and teammate Breezy Johnson finished fourth in the team combined event, missing the podium with subpar slalom times.
Shiffrin’s Olympic Legacy
At 30 years old, this marks Shiffrin’s fourth Olympic appearance. Despite her current struggles, she has previously earned three Olympic medals, including two golds. Her last Olympic medal came in 2018 when she secured silver in the combined event at Pyeongchang.
Shiffrin still has a chance to add to her medal tally this week in the slalom event. Fans are hopeful she can turn her fortunes around and reclaim her place on the Olympic podium.
