Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, October 6, 2026 — Mikaela Shiffrin, a decorated two-time Olympic slalom champion, is set to alter her competitive strategy for the forthcoming ski racing season. Shiffrin plans to shift her primary focus away from slalom events to concentrate on training for and competing in giant slalom and super-G disciplines.

This strategic adjustment marks a significant change in her racing calendar. Shiffrin referred to the upcoming period as an “exploration season.” The new competitive path is slated to commence with a giant slalom race scheduled for October 24 in Soelden, Austria. This event will serve as the initial test for her redefined focus.

The decision indicates a desire to broaden her expertise and challenge herself in disciplines that demand different technical approaches and racing strategies compared to pure slalom. While slalom requires quick, precise turns and a rapid rhythm, giant slalom involves longer, wider turns and higher speeds, and super-G combines elements of speed and technical racing over a more challenging course.

Details regarding the extent of her participation in slalom events throughout the season were not provided in the summary. The exact schedule for her engagements in giant slalom and super-G beyond the opening race in Soelden was also not specified.

Shiffrin has achieved extensive success in her career, notably in slalom, where she has secured multiple Olympic gold medals and World Cup titles. This pivot suggests a new chapter in her already illustrious career as she seeks to master new challenges on the international circuit.


Story summarized from the original created by Pat Graham, Associated Press on www.clickorlando.com, see more information here.

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