Mikaela Shiffrin is a force to be reckoned with in the world of alpine skiing. Here are five interesting facts about this talented athlete:
1. A Record-Breaking Career: Mikaela Shiffrin has made history by becoming the youngest slalom champion in Olympic alpine skiing history at just 18 years and 345 days old. She’s also the most successful skier in the modern era, with 15 medals from 18 career world championship races .
2. A Family Affair: Shiffrin’s love for skiing was nurtured by her family. Her father, Jeff, was an avid skier, and her mother, Eileen, was a high school ski racer. Her brother, Taylor, also skied for the University of Denver.
3. Pre-Race Rituals: Unlike many athletes who listen to music or visualize the course before a race, Shiffrin enjoys doing word searches to relieve her anxiety. This quirky ritual is a family tradition that helps her stay focused.
4. Culinary Skills: When she’s not speeding down the slopes, Shiffrin loves to cook. She’s even written her own cookbook, “The Winning Recipes from Mikaela Shiffrin,” which shares her favorite recipes for healthy, high performance meals.
5. Awards and Accolades : Shiffrin’s impressive career has earned her numerous awards, including the 2023 Best Female Athlete ESPY Award. She’s also been featured on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers and has been profiled on CBS News’ 60 Minutes.