Kranjska Gora, Slovenia – Swiss slalom skier Camille Rast is speaking out about the disparity in support between herself and her American rival, Mikaela Shiffrin, ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Rast, currently the top-ranked Swiss skier in the slalom World Cup, feels she lacks the resources necessary to compete at the highest level, pointing to Shiffrin’s extensive team of seven personnel. The situation has prompted Swiss-Ski to announce a review of Rast’s support structure this spring.
The debate comes as Rast prepares for the Olympic slalom race on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:00/13:30 local time. Recent comments questioning the challenge of the Olympic course and expressing a preference for World Cup events have raised concerns about her focus. Despite these remarks, Rast currently holds the second position in both the women’s slalom and overall World Cup standings, a testament to her skill and dedication.
Rast’s recent success includes a victory in the slalom at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia on January 4, 2026, ending Mikaela Shiffrin’s six-race winning streak in World Cup slaloms, a win that came after a first-place finish in the giant slalom the previous day. She defeated Shiffrin by 0.14 seconds, demonstrating her growing strength as a competitor. This rivalry is intensifying with just 45 days remaining until the women’s slalom at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, according to ESPN.
In Cortina, Rast openly discussed the difference in team sizes, stating, “And in the team of Mikaela Shiffrin, up to seven people work.” This observation highlights the significant investment behind Shiffrin’s success, while Rast largely self-funds her support system, including the costs associated with her athletic coach, Florian Lorimier, a former trainer of Didier Cuche.
Swiss-Ski to Re-Evaluate Support for Rast
Hans Flatscher, the Alpine chief at Swiss-Ski, acknowledged Rast’s concerns but emphasized the importance of quality over quantity. “It doesn’t depend on the number of people, too many cooks can spoil the broth. What matters is the quality – and that’s right with us. Otherwise, Camille wouldn’t have gotten this far,” he stated, as reported by the Guardian. Swiss-Ski has committed to re-evaluating Rast’s situation in the spring to ensure she receives the necessary support to perform at her best.
Denis Wicki, a key contact at Swiss-Ski for Rast, pointed to the financial benefits Rast brings to the organization through her successes. “Thanks to her successes, Camille brings sponsors to the association. That must be taken into account, as was the case with Lara Gut-Behrami,” Wicki said, referencing the integration of Alejo Hervas, Gut-Behrami’s former athletic coach, into the Swiss-Ski structure.
Shiffrin’s Olympic Struggles and the Rising Challenge from Rast
While Rast is making her mark, Mikaela Shiffrin has faced challenges at the Olympics. At the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Shiffrin left without a medal, experiencing disqualifications in slalom, giant slalom and combined events. Her performance at the current Olympics has also been mixed, missing the podium in the giant slalom and finishing fourth in the team combined with Breezy Johnson.
The upcoming slalom race presents an opportunity for both skiers. Shiffrin, despite her recent Olympic disappointments, remains a dominant force in the discipline. Rast’s confidence and recent victories, however, position her as a serious contender. The question remains: will Rast’s momentum continue, or will Shiffrin overcome her Olympic struggles to claim victory?
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to February 22 in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and other locations in Northern Italy. More information about the games can be found here.
As the Olympic slalom approaches, the focus will be on whether Rast can maintain her form and challenge Shiffrin for gold. Swiss-Ski’s commitment to re-evaluating her support structure suggests a recognition of her potential and a desire to provide her with the resources she needs to succeed. The outcome of Wednesday’s race will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the trajectory of both skiers’ careers.
What are your thoughts on the disparity in support between these two athletes? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.
