The Alpine Stars Align: Shiffrin and Johnson Lead the Charge in an Olympic First
Alpine Skiing's Evolving Landscape: The Inaugural Team Combined Event
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, is buzzing with anticipation as Mikaela Shiffrin, a dominant force in slalom skiing, prepares for her Olympic premiere in the women's Alpine team combined event. This new format, making its debut at the 2026 Games, revolutionizes competitive skiing by pairing athletes specialized in distinct disciplines.
The Synergistic Duo: Speed Meets Precision on the Slopes
The innovative team combined event features two skiers: one adept at the high-speed downhill, and the other a master of technical slalom. This pairing is designed to celebrate the diverse skills within Alpine skiing, creating a more dynamic and comprehensive competition. It's a strategic move to unite the exhilarating pace of downhill with the intricate turns of slalom, demanding versatility and teamwork.
Shiffrin's Unparalleled Dominance: A Slalom Sensation's Olympic Quest
At 30 years old, Mikaela Shiffrin stands as the world's foremost slalom skier, boasting an impressive record of seven victories and one second-place finish in eight World Cup slalom races this season. Her career World Cup wins now total 108, solidifying her status as the all-time leader among both male and female skiers. Her entry into the Olympic team combined event brings a formidable technical edge to the American squad.
A Champion Pairing: Repeating World Championship Success at the Olympics
Shiffrin will be joined by Breezy Johnson, also 30, who recently clinched the Olympic downhill gold medal. This formidable duo previously secured the gold medal in the team combined event at last year's World Championships in Hinterglemm, Austria—the inaugural staging of this format at a major international competition. Their proven chemistry and individual strengths position them as strong contenders for Olympic glory.
Redefining the Olympics: The Dawn of a New Competitive Era
The introduction of the team combined format at the Olympics represents a significant shift from the traditional individual combined event. As the technical and speed disciplines of skiing have increasingly diverged, it has become rare for athletes to excel in both. This new team approach allows specialists to collaborate, ensuring a high level of competition across both facets of Alpine skiing.
America's Alpine Depth: A Strong Contingent Eyeing Multiple Medals
The U.S. women's Alpine team showcases remarkable depth, fielding an additional three teams alongside the star pairing of Shiffrin and Johnson. The second team features Jackie Wiles, who placed fourth in Sunday's individual downhill, and Paula Moltzan, currently ranked sixth in World Cup slalom. Both are strong medal hopefuls. Further demonstrating the team's strength, Bella Wright will race with Nina O'Brien, and Keely Cashman will pair with A.J. Hurt, ensuring a robust American presence across the competition.