Mikaela Shiffrin, the alpine skiing phenom, recently opened up about her enduring motivation to compete at the highest level, crediting her childhood idol and fellow American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn as a key source of inspiration. In a heartfelt reflection, Shiffrin shared how watching Vonn dominate the slopes ignited her own ambition to become one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“When I was little, I would watch Lindsey Vonn ski; she was my biggest idol,” Shiffrin said during a press conference ahead of the 2025-26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season. “I watched all of the greatest in the sport. I’d think, ‘They’re the best, so I want to be the best.’”
Shiffrin, now 30, has already cemented her place in skiing history with a record-breaking 97 World Cup victories and three Olympic medals, including two golds. Yet, her drive to push the boundaries of the sport remains as fierce as ever, fueled by the legacy of Vonn, whom she considers a “big sis” and a guiding figure both on and off the slopes.
Vonn, a four-time Olympian and 2010 downhill gold medalist, retired in 2019 after a storied career that included 82 World Cup wins, a record Shiffrin surpassed in 2023. The two have shared a close bond, with Vonn often cheering on Shiffrin’s achievements and offering mentorship. “Lindsey’s been there for me, not just as an idol but as someone who understands what it takes,” Shiffrin said. “Her work ethic, her fearlessness—it’s something I still carry with me.”
As Shiffrin prepares for another grueling season, she emphasized that her motivation goes beyond chasing records. “It’s about the feeling of skiing, the pursuit of getting better every day, and honoring the people like Lindsey who showed me what’s possible,” she said. With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina on the horizon, Shiffrin remains focused on adding to her legacy while inspiring the next generation, just as Vonn did for her.
The alpine skiing world eagerly awaits Shiffrin’s next chapter, as she continues to draw inspiration from her “big sis” and the giants of the sport who came before her.
