Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Team USA Announces 'History Made' by Mikaela Shiffrin's Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 8:01 PM ET

Mikaela Shiffrin remains without a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics after finishing 11th in Sunday’s women’s giant slalom final. Federica Brignone of Italy took home the gold medal, while Sara Hector and Thea Louise Stjernesund shared the silver.

Shiffrin, who last won Olympic slalom gold in 2018, still has a chance to reach the podium in the slalom event. For now, she is feeling positive about her performance.

“I think today was a really great practice for a strong, flexible mentality, which is what I want to feel in the coming days as well," she said after the race.

There’s more for Team USA’s Alpine Ski Team to feel good about. Shiffrin, whom CNN labeled a prohibitive favorite in the final event happening on Wednesday, is also celebrating her coach, who made personal history in Milan-Cortina.

Team USA announced that Karin Harjo became the first woman to set a course for an Olympic alpine ski race.

Team USA's Mikaela Shiffrin reacts during second run of women's alpine skiing giant slalomMichael Madrid-Imagn Images

Harjo deflected the credit and instead gave it to Shiffrin and spoke of the future of women's skiing.

“This is for your daughter‘s daughters,” Harjo said.

“We’re in 2026 and it’s the first time, but the reason is because of Mikaela. She set out to lift up women in sport, whether it’s competitors, coaches, workers. Through her greatness, she’s providing the opportunity for women to rise and pave a path for everybody behind us.”

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Shiffrin and Harjo began working together in 2023. Harjo was a Team USA coach for 11 years before joining the Canadian women’s team in 2022. She helped Laurence St-Germain win the world championship slalom title that year and led Valérie Grenier to capture her first World Cup victory in a giant slalom in Kranjska Gora. As a team, the Canadian women's team also earned the bronze medal in the World Championships mixed team parallel event.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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