In a world that usually pits women against women, it’s very rare to find a woman supporting the other. It’s even more difficult to accept the fact that we always have something to learn from each other. This is true for sports, even more so as it’s a very competitive field to be in. But, now and then, we do get that glimmer of hope from one or other sportswoman. And every time it makes us go, ‘Awww!’ Such a heartfelt moment was recently witnessed when Mikaela Shiffrin, the greatest living skier, very humbly and candidly expressed how she still has something to learn from Simone Biles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. 

The 99x Skiing World Cup winner sat for an interview recently with Servus TV. The interview showed a very honest and true self of Mikaela. She talked about the fun-filled summer she had packed with travels, fashion shows, training, the US Open, and, most importantly, the summer edition of the Paris Olympics.

The most rewarding part of summer was her getting the chance to support Simone and Sydney. But, wait, Mikaela Shiffrin wasn’t just supporting them but learning from them. Just by watching them compete, she learned so much about the audience’s perspective. It helped her understand what kind of emotions people may feel when they watch her compete, which was a wonderful experience for her. In the words of the Snow Queen, “It gives me a perspective that is so beautiful, like a perspective about maybe how people feel when they watch me compete.” But that’s not all! Her viewer’s mindset made the best of the opportunity.

Shiffrin, in particular, picked something from Sydney. When Sydney is on track, she only focuses on running her race and being in her lane. For Mikaela, “In skiing, that translates to, like, ‘Yeah, be focused on what I’m doing in the moment and not worried about what everybody else is doing!'” Isn’t it a really good way to learn and, at the same time, to show all your admiration and support to other sportswomen?

Mikaela was in attendance during track and field as well as gymnastics in Paris. She turned into a fangirl, posting and celebrating the win of Team USA through her social media. This wasn’t the first time Mikaela showcased her sportsmanship.

When the list of 100 professional athletes of the 21st century was released, it featured legends like Mikaela, Simone Biles, and Michael Phelps. Naturally, it brought so much comparison, which Mikaela did not like. “I don’t love actually comparing myself with Simone Biles or Katie Ledecky or Michael Phelps or whoever, and I think being in the same sentence as them is incredible in and of itself.”

Also, she was among the first few to support the USWNT when they faced backlash during the FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup in 2023. Mikaela came forward to shut down all the criticism, saying, “It’s awful.” That’s exactly what a woman supporting women looks like! That’s exactly what sportsmanship looks like, and we are all in for it! Now, what’s next for our favorite skiing prodigy?

Upcoming Skiing World Cup

Mikaela Shiffrin is currently looking forward to the upcoming skiing season. Fans are waiting eagerly as well for her to reach the 100th victory milestone. The question is, no more will she be able to do it. But the question is, when are fans going to witness the would-be historic win? It’s all her achievements and accolades that have made her fans always want more.

Mikaela Shiffrin did experience a miss at the Stifel Killington Cup on November 29th. Where she also has to endure some serious injuries, making fans distraught. Nonetheless, the fans are still optimistic about her claiming the much-awaited title. Also, why should they not be? The 29-year-old skier has cemented herself as the greatest skier alive with her wins time and again! Are you also excited about the upcoming skiing season? Comment down below!