Mikaela Shiffrin, the alpine skiing sensation and one of the sport’s all-time greats, recently shared insights into the motivations that have fueled her remarkable career. In a candid reflection, Shiffrin revealed how watching her childhood idols compete inspired her relentless pursuit of excellence on the slopes.
“When I was little, I would watch Bode Miller ski; he was my biggest idol,” Shiffrin said, recalling her early years as a budding skier. “And Marlies Schild and Marcel Hirscher and Hermann Maier and Lindsey Vonn, of course—I watched all of the greatest in the sport. I’d think, ‘They’re the best, so I want to be the best.’”
For Shiffrin, now 30, the path to greatness began with those childhood dreams. The Colorado native, who has amassed an unprecedented 97 World Cup victories and multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, admitted that as a young skier, she didn’t fully grasp what it meant to be “the best.” But the tangible markers of success—season titles, race wins, and the coveted overall Crystal Globe—became her guiding lights.
“I didn’t really know what qualified that,” Shiffrin said of her early ambitions. “But the most obvious thing was the season titles, winning races, the overall globe, those kinds of things.”
That clarity of purpose has defined Shiffrin’s career, propelling her to surpass records once thought untouchable. Her idols, including American legend Lindsey Vonn and Austrian greats like Hermann Maier, set a standard of excellence that Shiffrin has not only met but exceeded. With her technical precision in slalom and giant slalom, combined with her versatility across disciplines, Shiffrin has redefined what it means to dominate alpine skiing.
As she prepares for the upcoming World Cup season, Shiffrin’s reflections offer a glimpse into the mindset that keeps her motivated, even after achieving nearly every accolade the sport offers. Her drive, rooted in the awe she felt watching her heroes, remains as strong as ever.
“I still feel that fire to compete,” Shiffrin said. “It’s about pushing myself, not just to win, but to ski the way I know I can.”
With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Shiffrin will continue to build on her legacy. If her past is any indication, the pursuit of greatness—and the inspiration drawn from those who came before her—will keep her at the forefront of the sport.
