‘Could Have Died..’ – WTA World No.1 Iga Swiatek Recounts Scary Accident and the Weird Connection It Created With Skiing Legends Lindsay Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin

Behind every athlete, there lies a web of connections that can be both surprising and exciting at the same time. Iga Swiatek, the Polish beauty, has some stories of her own. In a recent interview, Iga shared about her childhood and remembered an incident where she faced a near-death experience, which developed a fear of skiing in her. Not only this, Iga also shared her lifelong admiration for the famous skiing icons Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin.

Currently playing in the US Open, the world number 1 has made her way into the second round of the tournament. However, the interview gives an insight into Iga’s life that is purely off-court.

Iga Swiatek shares her near-death experience while citing her favorite skiing icons

Iga Swiatek’s revelation about her unconventional connection with skiing icons, Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, sheds light on her journey beyond the tennis court. While her traumatic skiing incident at the age of seven left her with lasting fear, it also drew her into an unexpected bond with the two skiing legends.

Swiatek’s admiration for Vonn and Shiffrin, both highly successful athletes in their own right, is evident. Despite not having had the opportunity to meet Mikaela Shiffrin in person due to their busy schedules, Swiatek recognizes their shared experiences as women competing in individual sports.

“No, the last time I skied was when I was seven and I had an accident that I could have died, so I really got scared. I don’t get scared that easily but this for sure stopped me. Yeah, that was the last time,” said Swiatek in the interview.

“I’m happy that, you know, I had a chance to meet them (Vonn and Shiffrin). I haven’t met Mikaela yet because she’s always on tour the same as me and it’s hard to find time. They are huge inspiration for me. I don’t know. I just feel like our sports are kind of connected because these are the only two sports where I feel individual with, like, women’s kind of having, the same events and the same, you know, rhythm as guys,” continued Swiatek while revealing her admiration for the stars.

She noted the unique parallel between tennis and skiing, citing the similarity in individuality and women’s experiences in both sports. Swiatek finds a relatable thread in Mikaela Shiffrin’s interviews, sensing a shared understanding.

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Thus, the Polish tennis star’s connection with skiing remains limited to an unexpected bond rather than active participation. Despite having a near-death experience as a seven-year-old, she did not run away from it rather grew inspiration from the stars of the sport.

Her unusual yet insightful perspective on this link between different sports showcases Swiatek’s depth of thought and her ability to draw inspiration from unexpected sources.

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