Mikaela Shiffrin Q&A: Olympic Season Mindset, Missing Petra Vlhova, Reflections on Speed Events

In an interview with Lilly to promote early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (ESAD) awareness, Mikaela Shiffrin discussed a variety of issues, including Olympic preparation, speed events, and adversary Petra Vlhova. Shiffrin, whose paternal grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease and died in 2014, wants to assist others realize the necessity of acting early and the treatment choices available today for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

NBCOlympics.com: You’ve already stated that you prioritize giant slalom, will not race downhill, and will consider super-Gs this season. Is there anything else coach Karin Harjo has underlined with you, whether it’s an attitude or a hard fact as you enter the Olympic season, that stands out and is different from past seasons?

Shiffrin emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication in their team, which has been a work in progress since they were 30 years old.

It encompasses all of the components that go beyond the physical on-snow training. A realization for me is how tough it might be, for example, on the hill, to declare in real time, “I don’t feel that this is productive.” Or for my coaches, it’s probably even more difficult for them to approach me, because I have this resume in the sport that makes it difficult for others to tell me what has to happen with my skiing or in order for me to be productive. I believe there is some apprehension because I’ve done all of this before and had great success. So, maybe don’t stir the pot.

I’ve received amazing feedback from my team, including Karin, coach Jamo Haarala, and my mother (also a coach). It’s like a flower blooming when I open the door and say, “You don’t need to be scared to tell me what you’re thinking.” Worst-case scenario, it will spark a conversation. The best-case scenario is that you’ll remind me of something I may have forgotten about my technique, tactics, preparation, or logistics. I believe it has ushered in a new era of innovation that we were previously unaware of.

NBCOlympics.com: I heard your first podcast episode with your fiancé, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. Very well done. I was wondering if you could tell me anything about upcoming podcast episodes, guests, and subjects. Is there anything you could share?

Shiffrin: I can probably say whatever I want, but I want you to listen (laughs). In the last several weeks, I’ve had a couple of extremely cool and enjoyable chats. This has also been a work in progress, as I am not used to hosting an interview. I have to say, Nick, I admire your ability to come up with unique and interesting topics. It is not easy. Many topics have been discussed extensively. It’s difficult to find a way to speak to someone so that they open up. My natural introverted tendency is not to ask questions.

So one of the most lovely — and perhaps unexpected — aspects of this podcast is learning how to initiate those conversations. I’ve had a few talks with my coworkers and am looking forward to more. Also, with a staff member, which I believe will be incredibly cool for people to listen to. My goal right now is to sort of dive into these talks, but in the following years, I hope to expand into other sports and areas. I’d want to be able to interview talk-show or podcast hosts because I think those are fascinating talks to have.

Petra Velhova

NBCOlympics.com: You indicated that your conversation with Petra Vlhova around a year ago inspired the podcast. Have you spoken to her recently? She has been posting about getting back on snow and expecting to race soon.

Shiffrin: We text back and forth. Over the course of the winter, we each checked in sometimes. She texts me after races and after I return (from injury last season). Just checking in on where she was. My best understanding, and I realize it may seem apparent, but it cannot be overemphasized. Because it’s difficult for an athlete to describe how difficult it is to recover from an injury because people don’t understand what’s going on in the body and why it’s so difficult to regain peak performance.

Even with my shorter-term injury last year, in the broad scheme of knee injuries, bones, and all the other things that might happen, I could still return the same season, right? Petra has now been out for a whole season and half. So I’m quite excited to see any posts she’s done in ski boots on the mountain. It seems like she’s feeling a lot more solid and structurally strong than she did when she was attempting to get back on snow last fall and winter, which is significant because that’s the foundation. She can build from there and begin to develop strength on snow, but she must work up to maximum capability, which takes time.

Vlhova, who has not competed since January 2024, returned to skiing in early October and will require at least 50 days of on-snow training before racing again, according to her manager.

Shiffrin acknowledges that taking this step is significant and requires time. So I truly hope she can return this season. Mostly, I hope it’s a strong return and that she feels complete — physically, as a human, and as a racer. Then it will be a pleasure to compete with her again.

NBCOlympics.com: Did it seem different last season, when you were competing without her?

Shiffrin stated that the opening giant slalom of the season, held in Soelden on October 25, feels different. It seemed strange without Federica (Brignone) from the start owing to injuries. At the same time, it’s a sport in which we’re extremely focused on ourselves and our own advancement and development. So standing in the starting gate feels the same. When you’re racing on the course, nothing feels different. But, yeah, there is an atmosphere. When sportsmen retire or suffer injuries, it might take some time to adjust. But, at the end of the day, you need to point it down the hill and concentrate on your own turns.

Speed Races

NBCOlympics.com: You’ve indicated that you’ll see how your first super-G of the season goes in St. Moritz (December 14), but you also enjoy super-G. If things don’t work out, are you content with your speed career if you never compete in another major speed race or if it’s no longer a focus?

Shiffrin: I’m not sure I could ever claim I’m pleased with anything, but I am glad and proud. For me, speed (downhill and super-G racing) has always been a wonderful passion project. I mean, everything had all been, but it was like, wow, this is really thrilling. Who knows what I can do? It was only possible because I had worked so hard on my technique and had a solid foundation in the technical races (slalom and giant slalom) that I could subsequently apply some of those talents to speed. I believe speed helped me become a better athlete and skier. I only had a couple days of super-G (training) this week, and it’s helping me become a more well-rounded, complete skier.

So I love it, and even if I don’t race in the Olympics, it’s not out of the question for me in general. Perhaps it’s just one of those instances where the timing is off. One aspect of the Games that I am always very aware of, especially this year, is that we have a tremendous (U.S.) team of athletes, including numerous metal contenders. I do not want to take a position that I did not earn or deserve. So I’m quite fine with letting go of that when the time comes, if that’s how it works.

NBCOlympics.com: Last season, you launched the Share Winter program to celebrate your 100th World Cup victory. You mentioned subsequently that at least $400,000 had been raised for learn-to-ski and snowboard programs. Have you received any new updates on the specifics of where any of that money has gone, or on anything more you have planned in that regard, either this season or for the remainder of your career?

Shiffrin: Working with Share. Winter was a huge step forward in terms of assisting youngsters in gaining access to sports and activities, as well as being outside and the lifestyle choices and education that come with it. Of course, my main passion is winter sports such as skiing and ski racing, but snowboarding, anything in the mountains and on snow, is truly unique. It has been such a blessing in my life. So being able to take the initial steps toward genuinely sharing that with others, rather than just discussing it.

We raised about a half million dollars. All of the money goes towards learn-to-ski and snowboard programs that benefit youngsters who would not otherwise have access. This applies nationwide. This is one of the many various learn to ski and snowboard programs available throughout the country. That’s where all the money goes. Our objective was $100,000, which would have sustained about 800 days of snow. So there are quite a few kids out there, or will be. That money will go towards getting a lot of kids out there and experiencing their first time on skis or snowboarding, which is quite wonderful.