Mikaela Shiffrin wins Olympic gold in womens slalom at 2026 Winter Games

Mikaela Shiffrin Wins Olympic Slalom Gold, Ends Eight-Year Medal Drought

In a decisive performance, American skier Mikaela Shiffrin claimed the gold medal in the women’s slalom event at Tofane, ending an eight-year drought without an Olympic medal. The 30-year-old achieved a combined time of 1min 39.10sec, securing her third Olympic title and first since the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.

Shiffrin started strong, posting a rapid combined time after the first run that gave her a lead of 0.82sec over competitors. This advantage allowed her to maintain her position throughout the event, ultimately finishing 1.50sec ahead of world champion Camille Rast from Switzerland. Anna Swenn Larsson from Sweden rounded out the podium with her first Olympic medal.

Shiffrin’s victory marks a significant improvement on her previous performances in Beijing and northern Italy, where she failed to secure medals in several events. The American skier had been favored to win at least one gold due to her exceptional form this season, which has led to a record 108 World Cup wins.

The win brings solace to the US ski team, whose games were marred by Lindsey Vonn’s injury in the downhill event. Shiffrin’s victory is her second Olympic gold medal in the slalom, achieved 12 years after she became the youngest winner of that event at the Sochi Games.

Source: Al Jazeera