Mikaela Shiffrin's Olympic Frustrations Deepen with Giant Slalom Setback
The greatest ski racer in history, Mikaela Shiffrin, saw her Winter Olympics misery persist on Sunday as she missed the podium in the giant slalom event in Cortina. Shiffrin finished in 11th place, a staggering 0.92 seconds behind the victorious Federica Brignone, who secured her second gold medal of the Games after previously triumphing in the super-G.
A Prolonged Medal Drought at the Olympics
This result extends Shiffrin's alarming streak to eight consecutive Olympic races without securing a medal. After placing seventh in the initial run, she dropped four positions in the second run, highlighting her ongoing struggles on the grandest stage. While this performance marked a notable improvement from her disastrous giant slalom outing in Beijing four years ago—where she crashed out early—it remains a bitter disappointment for the American superstar.
Shiffrin's Olympic record stands in stark contrast to her unparalleled World Cup success. With a record 108 World Cup victories and 15 world championship medals, including eight golds, she has only managed to claim three Olympic medals: a slalom gold in Sochi at age 18, plus giant slalom gold and combined silver in Pyeongchang.
A Courageous Comeback from Severe Injury
The fact that Shiffrin even competed in the giant slalom is a testament to her resilience and determination. In November 2024, she suffered a horrific accident during a World Cup race in Killington, Vermont, sustaining a serious puncture wound to her abdomen and severe muscle trauma. The incident occurred as she led after the first run, chasing her 100th World Cup win, before losing control and crashing violently into a protective fence.
Her recovery journey has been arduous. Returning to racing in January 2025, Shiffrin openly discussed battling post-traumatic stress disorder and doubts about ever regaining her top form in giant slalom. She has not won a race in the discipline since that crash, making her presence at the Olympics all the more remarkable. A little over a year later, she has fought her way back to being ranked among the world's top seven in giant slalom.
Technical Struggles on the Olympia delle Tofane Piste
Starting 24th in the second run, Shiffrin made a brilliant beginning but encountered difficulties midway down the course. A late turn caused her to shed precious milliseconds, and further late entrances compounded her time losses. She crossed the line in provisional sixth, 0.25 seconds behind then-leader Lara Della Mea, before ultimately slipping to 11th. Visibly frustrated, she waved to the crowd but dropped her head in disappointment.
Shiffrin will have one final opportunity to end her medal drought at these Olympics in Thursday's slalom event, where she is the overwhelming favourite. With 71 of her World Cup wins coming in slalom and seven victories in eight World Cup slaloms this season, the pressure and expectations will be immense.
Federica Brignone's Fairytale Home Olympics
Meanwhile, Federica Brignone delivered a stunning performance to claim gold. The Italian, who suffered multiple leg fractures in a serious crash less than a year ago and only returned to skiing in January, flew down the piste in blinding Cortina sunshine. At 35 years old, she is showcasing new levels of brilliance, finishing 0.62 seconds ahead of joint silver medallists Sara Hector of Sweden and Thea Louise Stjernesund of Norway.
The podium celebration was emotional, with Hector and Stjernesund bowing to Brignone in the finish area before embracing her. Brignone's victory adds to Italy's joyous home Games narrative, contrasting sharply with Shiffrin's ongoing Olympic frustrations.
