Mikaela Shiffrin Has Totally Transformed Since Her First Olympics

When the Olympics take place, the participating athletes from each country reach an almost godly status. Whether it's a celebrated gymnast like Simone Biles or a dedicated skier such as Lindsey Vonn, history is made as the best in the world show off their skills. And like Olympic athlete Lindsey Vonn, who has had a stunning transformation, alpine skiers from the U.S. have made a lasting impression on the worldwide stage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Mikaela Shiffrin in particular has become one of the most decorated skiers in American history, having three gold medals to her name. She has grown so much since her first Olympics while still maintaining an unparalleled level of expertise. 

Shiffrin's Olympic journey began back in 2014 when the skier first proved she was a force to be reckoned with out of the gate. At just 18 years old, Shiffrin became the youngest person in history to win the Olympic gold for the slalom ski event. She would go on to win another gold medal in 2018 before having a full-circle moment at the 2026 Olympics. Shiffrin repeated the same achievement she earned 12 years prior by earning another gold medal for slalom. She now holds the title for two distinct achievements: being named the youngest and the oldest American woman to win gold at the Olympics for alpine skiing. With her newest gold medal earned, let's take a look back at how far Shiffrin has come since her first Olympic outing in 2014.

Mikaela Shiffrin competed at the Olympics for the first time in 2014 when the games were held in Sochi, Russia. At a mere 18 years old, Shiffrin was one of the youngest members of Team USA. Prior to the games, she strengthened her body by exercising almost five hours a day, nearly every day, according to a "60 Minutes" interview at the time. Her petite stature was complete with muscles that Shiffrin had formed through weight training and other fitness practices. When she wasn't skiing, Shiffrin looked and dressed like a typical teenager. But her ambition was obvious as she was determined to be victorious on the slopes.  

The fresh-faced teenager traveled to Russia while sporting wavy, dirty-blond hair that was in a Y2K-inspired side part. She wore minimal makeup which showed off her healthy, youthful skin. At the slalom event when she won gold, Shiffrin had her hair back in a long braid. She impressed the masses with her speed and crisp movements, making the entire track look like it was an easy feat. To celebrate her win, Shiffrin stood at the top of the award podium with pride, smiling from ear to ear. 

After her historic win in 2014, Mikaela Shiffrin returned to the following Winter Olympics in 2018, which took place in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Expectations were high, and while she placed fourth in the slalom event, Shiffrin won her second Olympic gold medal for being the top contender in the giant slalom. She also won a silver medal in the combined category that same year. Four years later, she participated in the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China, but did not win any medals.  

Shiffrin didn't often make public appearances outside the realm of her athletic career, but began to attend award shows on occasion following her success at the 2018 Olympics. At these formal events, Shiffrin would leave behind her usual athletic attire in favor of elegant gowns that highlighted her feminine side. She would be seen in dresses that hugged her toned figure while sometimes showing off her killer body in miniskirts and edgy cutouts. The athlete went fully blond and progressed in her use of cosmetics, nailing the no-makeup makeup look like a pro. 

At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Mikaela Shiffrin stunned the world and made history by winning the slalom course once again. This achievement marked Shiffrin's third win of Olympic gold, meaning she now has more Olympic gold medals than any other American alpine skier. She now ties with Julia Mancuso for the most decorated American women in alpine skiing throughout the history of the Olympics. As she was awarded her gold medal, Shiffrin was wearing classic pearl earrings, and her hair appeared to be a strawberry-blond color, which she wore in a simple ponytail. 

When she isn't training, Shiffrin hosts a podcast called "What's the Point with Mikaela Shiffrin," which she began in October 2025. She chooses to maintain a casual sense of style while recording the podcast, often wearing comfortable clothes like sweaters and athleisure wear. Shiffrin transitions her locks from free falling waves or even crimped hair to simple straight and sleek tresses. Often, her hair is pulled back in a convenient ponytail so her natural beauty is on full display.