Mikaela Shiffrin Reflects on Her Late Father During a Season of Triumph and Turmoil

In a season that has tested her both physically and emotionally, American skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin has found herself drawing strength from the memory of her late father, Jeff Shiffrin. As she faced a terrifying crash and celebrated a historic milestone, Shiffrin says her father’s influence has remained a guiding force in her journey.

The 2024–25 World Cup season has been one of extremes for Shiffrin. In January, she suffered a serious crash during a downhill training run in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Though she avoided life-threatening injuries, the incident forced her to miss several races and reset mentally and physically. It was in the quiet, reflective moments during her recovery that she says she felt closest to her father.

Jeff Shiffrin, who passed away suddenly in 2020 following an accident at home, was a constant presence throughout Mikaela’s early career. A physician and passionate supporter of her skiing, Jeff was known for his calm demeanor and deep devotion to his daughter’s well-being both on and off the slopes.

“After the crash, I found myself thinking about him constantly,” Mikaela shared in a recent interview. “He always emphasized the importance of perspective—how setbacks don’t define you, but how you respond to them does.”

Shiffrin returned to competition with renewed focus and soon added to her already storied legacy. In March, she claimed her 100th World Cup victory, a milestone no woman had reached before. The moment was both euphoric and bittersweet.

“I wished more than anything that my dad could have been there,” she said. “But in a way, he was. Everything I’ve accomplished, I carry his influence with me.”

The milestone sparked an outpouring of admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. Many pointed to Shiffrin’s resilience and composure as a testament to her mental toughness—a quality she attributes in part to the values her father instilled in her.

As the season winds down, Shiffrin continues to compete at the highest level, but with a deeper sense of purpose. She says her father’s legacy isn’t just in her medals, but in how she carries herself through life’s peaks and valleys.

“Every race, every turn, every challenge—I know he’s with me,” she said. “That gives me the strength to keep going, no matter what.”

In a career already filled with historic accomplishments, it’s Shiffrin’s humanity, humility, and heartfelt connection to her roots that continue to define her legacy.