CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Mikaela Shiffrin’s remarkable Olympic journey took a triumphant turn on Wednesday as she clinched the gold medal in the slalom by an impressive margin of 1.50 seconds, marking the end of her prolonged medal drought at the Winter Games.
In stunning conditions against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites, Shiffrin showcased her undeniable prowess, reaffirming her status as one of the greatest Alpine skiers in history. This victory not only marked her return to the top but also represented a significant milestone in her career, being the third-largest margin of victory in a women’s Olympic slalom event. Shiffrin had initially burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy in Sochi in 2014, winning her first Olympic gold medal.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shiffrin celebrated her success in the finish area, where she received warm congratulations from fellow competitors, including silver medalist Camille Rast of Switzerland and bronze medalist Anna Swenn Larsson of Sweden. The 30-year-old skier, visibly moved, pumped her fists to the crowd and shared a heartfelt embrace with her mother and coach, Eileen.
Reflecting on her victory, Shiffrin expressed her struggle to fully comprehend the significance of the moment. “Maybe,” she remarked, “just today, I realized what happened in Sochi. It’s crazy.” This win marked a much-needed release after a challenging Olympic run, where she had failed to secure a medal since achieving gold and silver at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018. Her journey included a disappointing performance in Beijing, but she has now combined her Olympic achievements with a staggering 108 World Cup victories, including an unmatched 71 in slalom.
Shiffrin’s exuberant return to the Olympic podium is not only a testament to her resilience but also sets the stage for a promising future in Alpine skiing, inspiring fans and aspiring athletes around the world.