Responding to a Great Loss in Skiing World, Olympic Legend Joins Millions in Mourning 37-Year-Old Icon

Elena Fanchini’s death shocked the world, leading to millions of reactions from skiing fans. The Italian skier lost her life due to a tumor on 8th February 2023 in Solato, Italy. Alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin also reacted to this upsetting news in a Twitter post on 9th February 2023. 

Like Shiffrin, Fanchini had also taken part in the World Championships and won a silver medal. Participating in her final race in 2017, her condition later began to deteriorate because of her tumor. Giving her heartfelt condolences to Fanchini’s family, Shiffrin also expressed her sadness for the Italian skiing team. 

Alpine skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin reacts to Elena Fanchini’s death 

Talking about how Fanchini’s loss, Shiffrin implied how she felt emotional on hearing this news.“I’m sending my condolences to the whole Fanchini Family, who have had such a strong impact on our sport and world with their passion and kindness”, Shiffrin stated. 

Later, Shiffrin spoke about how she felt deeply about the Italian skiing team who must’ve felt Fanchini’s loss acutely. Recounting the time the US team shared the same hotel with the Italian team during the World Skiing Championship, Shiffrin praised their love and strength. “I am cheering for their entire team, now more than ever”, Shiffrin expressed. 

Read More: “Sad He Left Way Too Soon”: Mikaela Shiffrin’s Heartbreaking Picture With Dad From Hospital Leaves Fans Emotional

With these words, Mikaela Shiffrin also remarked that the people lost will never be forgotten. This indicates Shiffrin’s views that Fanchini’s contribution to skiing will always be remembered. This was not the only time Shiffrin has taken to social media to react to the death of a person. After her father died on 2nd February 2020, Shiffrin openly revealed how his death impacted her. 

Mikaela Shiffrin holds nothing back about how she felt after her father’s death 

Shiffrin talked about how she regretted not spending enough time with her father. Since Shiffrin was pursuing her dream of making it big in alpine skiing in the Olympics, she was unable to spend time with her father. Further, she also talked about how her father had three golden rules. These were, “Be nice, think first, have fun.”  According to Shiffrin, by ‘having fun’, her father meant working hard for something one desires and making it a reality. 

With this, Shiffrin also remarked how accepting her father’s death was difficult and she also considered quitting the sport. She shared how feeling motivated took a long time for her and there was a time she felt she didn’t care about anything in life. These views indicate how her father Jeff Shiffrin’s death was a tough phase for Shiffrin. 

Watch This Story: Skiing Legend Mikaela Shiffrin opens up on Emotional Reality Behind AFTTB on Her Helmet 

Shiffrin’s reactions after Fanchini and her father’s death depict her empathy and ability to share her thoughts openly with fans. Though the world has forever lost a promising athlete, Fanchini’s contribution to skiing will always be unforgettable in history.