Why Does Mikaela Shiffrin Wear Black Tape on Her Face While Skiing at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022?

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin is yet to medal in any event at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. Despite consecutive setbacks and being unable to finish well, Shiffrin has been looking positively towards her events.

In the meantime, she hasn’t forgotten her humility and kindness, as she has encouraged her peers. In fact, during her downhill run today, Mikaela Shiffrin didn’t use her own skis. She used the ones that Italian silver medalist Sofia Goggia gave her.

Many have wondered why Mikaela Shiffrin is wearing tape on her face. Of course, the tape, like much of everything Olympians wear, has her country’s initials ‘USA’ printed on it.

What are Mikaela Shiffrin and other Olympic ski racers wearing on their face?

Many people have noticed Mikaela Shiffrin wearing some sort of black tape on her face. In fact, she isn’t alone, as all ski racers at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 are sporting the same.

Particularly, downhill ski racers always wear Kinesiology tape on their faces. The reason for taping the face before skiing downhill in -4 Fahrenheit temperature is quite simple.

Athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin and her competitors reach speeds upwards of 90 miles per hour in their downhill runs. Thus, the freezing temperatures are only compounded, which puts them in danger of burning their noses and cheeks.

Hence, the athletes wear such tape on their faces for protection. Otherwise, their noses and cheeks could suffer from permanent burns.

DIVE DEEPER: Mikaela Shiffrin Got Emotional After Receiving a Heartwarming Gesture From a Fellow Olympian During Last Solo Gold Medal Quest at Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

In fact, this tape is not unprecedented either- athletes at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics sported the same. Furthermore, it isn’t a hassle either.

French team doctor Stephane de Jesus described the convenience of the face tapes. “It fits the shape of the face well, it peels off easily,” he said. Moreover, “the glue does not harm the skin” either, he said.

Shiffrin used her competitor’s skis today

In her downhill run today, Mikaela Shiffrin did not use her own skis. Instead, she used the skis that Sofia Goggia, her Italian peer, left her.

Goggia exited Beijing with a silver medal, and while leaving, she left Mikaela a beautiful surprise. Not only did Sofia Goggia give Mikaela Shiffrin her downhill skis, but she also left a note on them for Shiffrin.

“Fly Mika, you can,” Sofia’s note read. In fact, the heartwarming gesture turned her so emotional that Mikaela was almost reduced to tears.

This incident is nothing but a testament to the immense amount of mutual respect the two have for each other. It was further apparent in their kind words for each other throughout the Olympics as well.

WATCH THIS STORY: Nathan Chen Gets Gold: U.S. Figure Skater Dazzles to Win at 2022 Winter Olympics