Two-time Olympic slalom gold medalist, Mikaela Shiffrin, is shifting her focus this season from slalom to training more for giant slalom and super-G events. The Colorado-based ski racer revealed her new strategy on Tuesday, aiming for a season of exploration following her recent Olympic success and World Cup titles in slalom. The season will kick off on October 24 with a giant slalom race in Soelden, Austria. Shiffrin plans to compete in her first slalom race in Killington, Vermont, over Thanksgiving weekend and continue from there.
“I’m not reducing my efforts due to reduced interest. I’m exploring different avenues because I’m still deeply passionate,” said the 31-year-old Shiffrin. “My motivation has never solely been about accolades or achievements. This season marks a journey of exploration for me.”
Shiffrin claimed her sixth overall World Cup title, surpassing Emma Aicher from Germany by 87 points. Additionally, she secured the crystal globe in slalom by outperforming Camille Rast from Switzerland. While Shiffrin ranked fourth in the giant slalom standings, she finished outside the top 30 in the super-G discipline. Her most recent victory in the super-G was in December 2022, with a downhill win in 2023.
“I see racing slalom underprepared akin to entering a massive blender and dodging the blades,” Shiffrin explained. “I’m focusing more on appreciating the experience and skiing for the love of it. My commitment and effort levels remain high.”
Expressing her ambition and competitive spirit, Shiffrin emphasized her ongoing desire to ski fast and her curiosity about future possibilities. She also intends to continue working on her podcast, “What’s the Point with Mikaela Shiffrin.”