American alpine skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin continues to draw inspiration from her late father, Jeff Shiffrin, whose calming words of wisdom echoed in her mind before every race. The two-time Olympic gold medalist recently opened up about the simple yet powerful message her dad would share, helping her stay grounded amid the intense pressure of competition.
Jeff Shiffrin, an anesthesiologist and former Dartmouth skier who tragically passed away in February 2020 at age 65 following a home accident, played a pivotal role in nurturing Mikaela’s love for the sport. He was known for his low-key presence at races—often perched off to the side with a camera, capturing moments rather than interfering—and for instilling key principles like focus, presence, and kindness.
One of the most cherished pieces of advice Mikaela recalls is her father’s recurring reminder: a simple but emphatic “focus.” This single word became a mantra, helping her channel energy, block out distractions, and lock into the moment as she stepped into the start gate.
In interviews reflecting on her journey, Shiffrin has described how Jeff’s calming guidance—delivered quietly and consistently—provided stability during high-stakes events. “A simple ‘focus’ was a biggie,” she noted in discussions about his lasting influence. Even years after his passing, that word resonates, reminding her to remain present amid the chaos of World Cup races, crashes, recoveries, and record pursuits.
Jeff’s impact extended beyond words. He emphasized balance, fun, and perspective in skiing, teaching Mikaela rules like “Be nice. Think first. Have fun”—a phrase she once affixed to her helmet. His support helped shape her into the most successful female alpine skier in history, with over 100 World Cup wins, multiple overall titles, and a relentless drive as she gears up for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Here are touching moments capturing Mikaela with her father Jeff Shiffrin, whose legacy continues to fuel her success:
And glimpses of Mikaela in action, carrying forward the focus her dad always encouraged:
As Shiffrin prepares for what could be another historic Olympic chapter, her father’s timeless advice remains a quiet force behind her dominance on the slopes. In a sport defined by speed and precision, it’s the mental clarity he helped instill that often makes the difference.
