Mikaela Shiffrin Eyes Olympic Redemption in Slalom Final

After eight Olympic races without standing on the podium, the most decorated Alpine skier of all time is ready to reclaim her moment.

Mikaela Shiffrin takes to the slopes Wednesday in the slalom, her final event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The American superstar has built a record that speaks for itself: 108 World Cup victories, with 71 coming in slalom alone.

No skier in any discipline has ever won more races in a single event. This season, Shiffrin has been nearly unstoppable, winning six of seven slalom starts and already securing her ninth Crystal Globe in the discipline.

But Olympic glory has been elusive lately. Despite her dominance on the World Cup circuit, Shiffrin hasn't medaled in her past eight Olympic starts, making Wednesday's race about more than just another trophy.

The 2026 Games have brought Shiffrin full circle. She burst onto the Olympic stage years ago as a teenage slalom specialist, and now she returns to that same event searching for redemption.

Why This Inspires

Shiffrin's story reminds us that greatness isn't measured by a flawless record. The world's best skier keeps showing up, keeps competing, and keeps pushing forward even when the biggest stage hasn't delivered the results she wants.

Her perseverance through disappointment, injuries, and personal loss has made her more than just a champion. She's become a symbol of resilience for athletes everywhere who know that success isn't about never falling down.

Meanwhile, Team USA is making noise across multiple sports. The men's hockey team faces powerhouse Sweden in the quarterfinals, bringing their roster of NHL stars into knockout round play.

Three American snowboarders, including 17-year-old Oliver Martin competing with a broken arm, will vie for medals in the men's slopestyle final. Martin already showed incredible courage with a fourth-place finish in big air despite his injury.

Wednesday's slalom run represents more than redemption for one athlete. It's a reminder that champions write their own stories, one race at a time.