‘I can’t miss him more:’ Mikaela Shiffrin reflects about her late father

Mikaela Shiffrin is known around the world as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history. Her speed, precision, and unmatched determination have made her a legend in the sport. Yet, behind every gold medal and record-breaking race, there is a personal story filled with both triumph and heartbreak. One of the deepest and most painful parts of her journey is the loss of her father, Jeff Shiffrin.

Mikaela has often spoken about how close she was to her dad, and how his presence shaped her both as an athlete and as a person. Recently, she reflected on that loss in a heartfelt way, saying, “I can’t miss him more.” It was a reminder that even the strongest champions carry grief, and that love for family often outweighs the glory of any sporting achievement.

A Father’s Influence

Jeff Shiffrin wasn’t just Mikaela’s father—he was her guide, supporter, and biggest fan. A quiet and thoughtful man, Jeff worked as an anesthesiologist but always found time to be there for his daughter’s skiing career.

From her earliest days on the slopes, Jeff played an important role. He was often seen at races, camera in hand, capturing every moment of Mikaela’s journey. He wasn’t loud or flashy, but his presence was steady and comforting. For Mikaela, knowing her dad was nearby gave her a sense of calm that carried her through both victories and defeats.

He believed in hard work, humility, and always putting family first. These values became the foundation of Mikaela’s career and the way she approaches life.

The Sudden Loss

In February 2020, tragedy struck when Jeff Shiffrin died suddenly at the age of 65 after a household accident. For Mikaela, her family, and the skiing world, the news was shocking.

At the time, Mikaela was at the peak of her career, dominating races and on track to continue breaking records. But everything stopped. She took time away from skiing to grieve and to be with her family.

Losing her father so suddenly left a deep hole in her heart. Mikaela has said many times since then that there isn’t a day that goes by when she doesn’t think of him.

A Daughter’s Words

When Mikaela said, “I can’t miss him more,” it wasn’t just a passing thought. It was a raw and honest reflection of how grief lingers long after the initial shock fades.

For her, the loss of her father isn’t something she moves past—it’s something she carries with her. In interviews, she has explained that she often feels his presence when she races. She thinks about what he would say, how he would smile, and how proud he would be.

Those small moments of memory help her keep going, even when the grief feels overwhelming.

Skiing Through the Pain

Returning to the slopes after her father’s death was not easy. At first, Mikaela questioned whether she even wanted to keep competing. Without her dad there to watch her, the sport felt different.

But over time, she realized that skiing was also a way to honor him. Every run down the mountain, every victory, every fight to push through setbacks—it all carried a piece of her father with it.

Her resilience became even more visible. Fans noticed how her skiing seemed to carry a deeper purpose. It wasn’t just about medals anymore; it was about family, love, and carrying on the legacy of the man who helped her believe in herself from the start.

The Bond That Lasts Forever

One of the most touching things about Mikaela’s journey is the way she keeps her father’s memory alive. She talks about him openly, shares old photos, and remembers the lessons he taught her.

She has said that she often feels like he is still guiding her. Whether it’s in quiet moments before a race or in the way she carries herself with humility, Jeff Shiffrin’s influence is always there.

The bond between father and daughter doesn’t end with loss. For Mikaela, it lives on in the way she skis, the way she values family, and the way she faces the ups and downs of life.

Lessons from Her Father

Jeff’s legacy isn’t just about raising a champion—it’s about the values he instilled in Mikaela. He taught her to stay grounded, to work hard, and to appreciate the little things in life.

Mikaela has often said that her dad never pushed her too hard. Instead, he encouraged her to find joy in the sport. That balance of discipline and fun became the key to her success.

Even now, when she races under the bright lights of the World Cup, she carries those lessons with her. They remind her that beyond the trophies, it’s the love of family and the joy of skiing that truly matter.

Sharing Her Grief with the World

By speaking openly about her father, Mikaela has also given fans a window into the human side of being an athlete. People often see the glamour of medals and championships, but they don’t always see the pain that can come with life off the slopes.

Her honesty has resonated with many who have lost loved ones. Fans have written to her saying that her words about grief helped them feel less alone. In this way, her vulnerability has become a source of strength for others.

Moving Forward, But Never Forgetting

Mikaela continues to dominate skiing, adding more wins to her already historic career. Yet, she has made it clear that her achievements feel different without her father there to share them.

Still, she moves forward with grace, always remembering that he is part of every step she takes. Whether it’s at the start gate of a big race or in quiet moments away from the spotlight, she carries her father’s spirit with her.

Her success now feels like a tribute to him—a way of saying thank you for everything he gave her.

Conclusion

Mikaela Shiffrin may be one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, but at her core, she is also a daughter who misses her father deeply. Her words, “I can’t miss him more,” capture the simple truth of grief—it doesn’t fade quickly, and it never fully disappears.

Through her strength and honesty, Mikaela reminds us that even the strongest champions are shaped by love and loss. And while her father may no longer be by her side in person, his influence, his lessons, and his love remain forever a part of her story.

In every race she skis and every finish line she crosses, Jeff Shiffrin’s presence is still there. And for Mikaela, that is both the hardest part of losing him—and the greatest gift he ever gave.