“Past and Present Legends”: Mikaela Shiffrin Enters Thick of Competition Hours Before Kickstarting Audi FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup 2023/24

The two-time Olympic gold medalist, Mikaela Shiffrin, made her World Cup debut in 2011. Now, after taking alpine skiing to victory all these years, she has girded up for her 100th career win. At the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season 2023-24, the five-time overall World Cup champion landed at Solden. As a result, she had the entire ski world at its feet.

Along with her, the legend who handed over the ‘skier of the year’ to Shiffrin also landed. Samuel Bode Miller, the legend whom the entire world cheered for, retired on October 31, 2017, after several legal disputes and injuries. However, the ‘past legend’ couldn’t help sharing the frame with the present record holders.

Mikaela Shiffrin about to make history

Besides Miller and Shiffrin, Marco Odermatt–the giant slalom record holder–posed for the paparazzi. As the 28-year-old’s worthy male counterpart and level-pegging competitor, Odermatt has won the 2023 overall. With the World Cup less than 48 hours away, FIS shared a story.

The story reads, ” Look who’s in Solden. Hi Bode!” The story features the legendary figures with their arms placed on each other’s shoulders, smiling at the camera. Though the competitors looked jovial on the outside, each lit up their competitive spirits within. The next story shared by the legendary alpine skier Pernilla Wiberg read, “Past and present legends!” Surrounded by numerous cameras, the three skiers posed before hitting the snow.

However, this is not the first time that Miller shared a frame with Shiffrin. Both being specialists in their individual disciplines, the duo share an off-screen camaraderie as well.

The past-present connection

The 46-year-old Miller and the 28-year-old Shiffrin have admiration for each other. The intergenerational bond unfurled as the former stated, “the best there’s ever been, male or female”, while talking about Shiffrin. Last Friday, the federation of Ski journalists had honored the Olympian with the ‘skier of the year’ award. So Miller couldn’t skip the opportunity to hand over the trophy to her. While the camera captured the historical moment, Miller accoladed her for “speaking from her heart and authentically.” 

READ MORE: Months After Parting From Prized Possession, Mikaela Shiffrin Raises $1,000,000 for Notable Cause

Though Phil Mahre and Lindsey Vonn had received the awards in 1983 and 2009, Shiffrin proved herself as the GOAT. After earning the trophy, Shiffrin said, “We know we only have the sport because you are willing to tell the stories. As always, thanks for your time and the work you do.” 

Watch this story: A Day After Pranking Her Better Half, Skiing Prodigy Mikaela Shiffrin Puts an End to Her Training Days With a Special Thanks Note

Considered as the role model to all skiing enthusiasts, the 88 World Cup Title holder has some serious game plan up her sleeves this time.