Mikaela Shiffrin is often described as a prodigy, a phenomenon, and a once-in-a-generation athlete. Her list of accomplishments in alpine skiing is both long and historic. With multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, a record-breaking number of World Cup wins across multiple disciplines, and an unmatched consistency and precision on the slopes, she has become a defining figure in her sport. However, as awe-inspiring as her achievements are, the question “Is there anything Mikaela Shiffrin can’t do?” deserves a more nuanced answer.
At first glance, it may seem like the answer is “no.” Shiffrin has proven time and again that she is capable of mastering every alpine discipline. While she initially specialized in technical events like slalom and giant slalom, she has also claimed victories in the more speed-focused disciplines such as super-G and downhill. This breadth is rare; many skiers focus on either technical or speed events due to the differing skill sets they require. Her ability to win across disciplines is not just a testament to her physical talent but also to her mental acuity, discipline, and dedication.
That said, she is still human. While her athletic prowess is nearly superhuman, she has faced her share of challenges—both personal and professional—that remind us she is not invincible. The sudden loss of her father in 2020 profoundly affected her, leading her to take time away from the sport. She has spoken candidly about the toll it took on her emotionally and mentally, and how it influenced her motivation and mindset. This honesty has endeared her to fans and made her an even more relatable and admirable figure. It’s a reminder that even the most successful athletes have vulnerabilities.
Additionally, Shiffrin’s dominance doesn’t always translate to automatic victory. Even she has off days, misjudged turns, and unexpected outcomes. Alpine skiing is a sport that leaves little room for error, and conditions such as weather, course setup, and even slight variations in snow texture can impact performance. In high-stakes competitions like the Olympics, where the world is watching and the pressure is immense, even a slight misstep can mean the difference between gold and no medal at all—as seen in some of her Olympic races where she did not finish.
Beyond skiing, while Shiffrin has shown herself to be articulate, thoughtful, and musically talented (she plays guitar and sings), she hasn’t attempted to dominate other arenas in the way she has skiing. She doesn’t seem interested in pursuing the kind of commercial fame or crossover celebrity that some other athletes chase. In this way, her scope remains focused, and perhaps that’s part of her brilliance—she knows what she excels at and dedicates herself fully to it.
So, is there anything Mikaela Shiffrin can’t do? Of course. She cannot escape grief, dodge the realities of pressure, or guarantee victory every time she clicks into her skis. But maybe that’s the point. Her greatness isn’t just about what she can do—it’s also about how she responds to the moments when she can’t. That’s what makes her truly exceptional.