The article discusses the pressing question of whether there is an 'Olympic curse' on American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, who, despite being regarded as the best female alpine skier in history, has not won an Olympic medal since 2018. Shiffrin's remarkable skills and accomplishments are overshadowed by the pressure and expectations of Olympic competition, where historically, even the most successful athletes can falter. As the 2022 Winter Olympics approach in Cortina, she finds herself at a critical juncture, where her previous potential to clinch medals has not translated into Olympic success.

Shiffrin's struggles in recent Olympic events reflect the high stakes and unpredictable nature of the Games, which can often leave even the top contenders empty-handed. Having missed out on medals in both the combined team event and the giant slalom, her chances are narrowing as she prepares for her final event, the slalom, which is her specialty. The weight of expectations hanging over her may play a significant psychological role, impacting her performance as she faces competitors who also aim for Olympic glory.

The implications of Shiffrin's Olympic experience go beyond personal achievement; they touch upon the pressures elite athletes face at major international competitions. The phenomenon of an 'Olympic curse' becomes a topic of discussion not only regarding her situation but in understanding broader patterns that affect the performance of athletes under immense pressure. It raises questions about how success in other competitions translates—or fails to translate—at the Olympics, a once-in-four-years event that epitomizes the pinnacle of sporting achievement.