Olympic gold medalist and alpine skiing’s all-time wins leader Mikaela Shiffrin has revealed her one major indulgence during the demanding World Cup season: splurging on business class tickets to make the relentless travel schedule more bearable.
In a candid interview for WSJ. Magazine’s “The One” series—photographed by Bea De Giacomo and featuring Shiffrin in Loewe—the 30-year-old superstar opened up about the realities behind her extraordinary career. When asked about treating herself amid the grind of constant flights, hotels, and high-stakes races, Shiffrin confessed that upgrading to business class is her go-to luxury. The extra comfort, space, and rest prove essential for recovery and performance when crisscrossing continents for competitions.
The wide-ranging conversation also touched on her ongoing recovery from a frightening November 2024 giant slalom crash in Killington, Vermont, where she suffered a deep abdominal puncture wound and subsequent trauma. Shiffrin described rebuilding her confidence through deliberate “exposure therapy” on the slopes, gradually overcoming the mental hurdles that followed the incident.
She shared insights into her evolving relationship with longtime rival Petra Vlhová, noting how mutual respect has grown through shared interviews and competition experiences. On a personal note, Shiffrin discussed her engagement to Norwegian skier Aleksander Kilde, highlighting the unique quirks—and advantages—of dating a fellow elite athlete who understands the sport’s intense demands.
As Shiffrin heads into her fourth Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, fresh off reclaiming her dominance with her historic 100th World Cup victory and beyond, her candid reflections underscore the human side of greatness. What might seem like a small luxury to outsiders—premium air travel—represents a strategic investment in sustaining peak performance for the skier who continues to redefine what’s possible in alpine racing.
Fans have praised Shiffrin’s honesty and relatability, with the WSJ feature sparking widespread admiration for how she balances elite competition, personal growth, and self-care. With the Games underway, all eyes remain on the GOAT as she chases more Olympic glory.
