“She Can’t Even Get a Silver or a Bronze”- Mikaela Shiffrin Weighs In on Difference in Expectations From Simone Biles and Shaun White at Olympics

The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics has been nothing short of a bad dream for the two-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin. Undoubtedly, it was the worst phase of her skiing career that she would wish to delete from her remembrance. However, she was not the only one who didn’t win a medal at the Olympics. Shaun White was also amongst the athletes who didn’t score while back in Tokyo Games, Simone Biles just won a silver and a bronze before she withdrew from the event.

When Mikaela Shiffrin landed in Beijing to compete in the 2022 Winter Olympics, she was the top favorite for the gold medal. However, even after taking part in 6 events, all she got was setbacks and disappointment. Furthermore, for her disappointing performance in the Olympics, the 27-year-old was heavily criticized in the media.

Mikaela Shiffrin talks about the difference in expectations from Simone Biles and Shaun White

When asked if she sometimes feels that media criticism has been a bit harsh for her compared to other athletes like Simone Biles and Shaun White, Mikaela replied, “I think the balance is where the expectation comes from. Someone like Shaun White is always expected to win. But he had gone into that Olympics announcing his retirement and that he was going to enjoy the moment.”

Further talking about Simone she added, “that expectation is always going to be there with Simone. As long as she’s competing. I don’t have a well-tuned eye for gymnastics. But (I) can see that—medal or not—she is still levels beyond what anyone else can do. At her level, she can’t even get a silver or a bronze and have that be good enough.”

READ MORE- “What a Human”- Mikaela Shiffrin Reacts on Her Idol Roger Federer’s Presence During Her Incredible Podium Comeback at World Cup Event

The most unbelievable comeback ever

After a devasting run at the Beijing Olympics, Mikaela made one of the most unbelievable comebacks in the FIS Ski World Cup 2022. She was on the verge of losing her world number one position to Slovakian skier Petra Vlhova. However, she once again proved that one bad event can’t define how remarkable of an athlete she is.

Mikaela not only defended her world cup ranking but also won her overall fourth world cup title. With her sensational performance, she shut down every hater who ever questioned her talent and passion for the game.

DIVE DEEPER- WATCH: Alpine Skiing Power Couple Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde Take Over Beach During Vacation