World Cup skiing icon Mikaela Shiffrin has revealed a moment of raw vulnerability ahead of competition, admitting in a new podcast episode, “I don’t know if I want to race tomorrow.”
The candid remark came during an in-depth conversation with her partner, Norwegian alpine star Aleksander Kilde, as the couple explored the mental and emotional layers of elite ski racing. Presented by STIFEL, the episode delves into the interplay of resilience, intentional preparation, and trusting the process—especially under pressure.
Shiffrin, a 97-time World Cup winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, reflected on the internal struggle that even top athletes face before stepping into the starting gate. “There are days when the doubt creeps in,” she shared. “But that’s where intention and planning become everything—getting back up, staying focused on the process, and trusting that the work you’ve put in will carry you through.”
Kilde, who made a remarkable return to racing in 2025 following a life-threatening crash in Wengen in January 2024, reinforced the message. “Preparation isn’t just physical—it’s mental architecture,” he said. “When you build it right, even when you don’t feel ready, the system holds.”
The discussion serves as both a masterclass in high-performance mindset and a humanizing look at the psychological toll of the sport. For Shiffrin, currently navigating her comeback from injury, the conversation underscored a broader philosophy: success on the mountain begins long before the first turn.
