Mikaela Shiffrin rings the NYSE closing bell and discusses her career and future plans in a CNBC interview.

Mikaela Shiffrin swapped the snow-covered slopes for the fast-paced environment of Wall Street on Thursday, April 2, when she had the honor of ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The appearance came less than three days after her return from Europe, highlighting a rapid transition from elite competition to a prestigious ceremonial role in global finance.

Mikaela Shiffrin was honored at the NYSE on Thursday, April 2. | Image: NYSE

Traditionally, the opportunity to ring either the opening or closing bell at the NYSE is reserved for executives and representatives of publicly listed companies, often to commemorate significant milestones such as initial public offerings, major anniversaries, or key corporate achievements. Shiffrin’s involvement represented a unique crossover between the world of alpine skiing and the financial sector.

Although such moments are uncommon, the connection between Shiffrin and the financial industry is not entirely surprising. Stifel Financial Corp., a sponsor of the U.S. Ski Team, has played a role in bridging these two worlds, suggesting that similar collaborations could occur more frequently in the future.

Before officially signaling the close of trading at 4 p.m.—a tradition that dates back to 1903—Shiffrin participated in an interview on CNBC’s Closing Bell. During the discussion, she reflected on various aspects of her career, her recent successes, and her outlook for what lies ahead.

Speaking with host Scott Wapner, Shiffrin addressed the often-used label of “GOAT,” or greatest of all time. She reacted to the term with humor, admitting that it always makes her think of an actual goat rather than a sporting accolade. Despite the recognition that accompanies such a title, she appeared eager to downplay it, instead expressing gratitude for the opportunities she has had throughout her career.

She emphasized how fortunate she feels to have been able to pursue skiing at such a high level, describing it as a gift that has shaped her life in meaningful ways. Her appreciation for the sport and the experiences it has provided was evident, even as she continues to achieve new milestones.

Wapner also reflected on Shiffrin’s recent Olympic success in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where she secured another gold medal. The victory carried added significance, coming 12 years after her first Olympic triumph in Sochi. The achievement highlighted both her longevity and her sustained excellence at the highest level of competition.

When asked whether she could have anticipated such a long and successful career back at the time of her first Olympic appearance, Shiffrin was candid in her response. She admitted that she had little sense of what lay ahead, describing herself as somewhat naïve regarding the impact that the Olympics could have on an athlete’s life and career trajectory.

Looking back now, with multiple Olympic medals and a record-breaking tally of World Cup victories, she described her journey as something truly special. At the same time, she made it clear that her story is far from complete, firmly stating that she has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

Her comments served to dismiss any speculation about a potential departure from the sport, reinforcing her commitment to continuing her career. For Shiffrin, the passion for skiing remains as strong as ever, and she appears determined to build further on her already remarkable legacy.

While skiing continues to be her primary focus, Shiffrin acknowledged that she has begun to explore opportunities beyond competition. Among these ventures is her recently launched podcast, What’s the Point, which she developed with the support of Stifel. The project reflects her interest in expanding her presence outside of racing while maintaining her connection to the sport.

In addition to her media endeavors, Shiffrin has also been involved in various partnerships and charitable initiatives. One notable example is her work with the Share Winter Foundation, which aims to increase access to skiing and snowboarding for young people from underserved communities.

She spoke positively about these experiences, describing them as enjoyable opportunities to branch out and engage with different aspects of her career. However, she was clear in emphasizing that skiing remains her top priority, stating that it continues to occupy her full attention and dedication.

Shiffrin also shared her optimism about the future of U.S. alpine skiing, particularly on the women’s side. She pointed to the increasing depth and strength of the team as a promising sign, suggesting that the next generation of athletes is well-positioned for success.

Shiffrin was given the honor of closing the NYSE on April 2. | Image: NYSE

Highlighting recent accomplishments, including a Nations Cup victory and strong performances in events such as giant slalom, she expressed confidence in the team’s ability to achieve even greater results in the years ahead. According to Shiffrin, the current group represents the strongest women’s team the United States has ever assembled.

Her remarks underscored a belief that the sport is entering an exciting phase, with significant potential for continued growth and achievement. This sense of optimism extends beyond her own career, reflecting a broader enthusiasm for the future of alpine skiing.

From her achievements on the World Cup circuit to her appearance on the trading floor of the NYSE, Shiffrin’s journey continues to demonstrate her versatility and influence. Her ability to transition seamlessly between different environments highlights not only her athletic excellence but also her growing presence beyond the slopes.

The moment at the NYSE served as a reminder of the wide-reaching impact of her career, illustrating how her success in skiing has opened doors in unexpected arenas. It also reinforced her status as one of the most prominent figures in the sport.

Mikaela Shiffrin closed the stock market by ringing the closing bell and swung the ceremonial gavel. | Image: NYSE

As she looks ahead, Shiffrin’s focus remains firmly on continuing to compete and achieve at the highest level. At the same time, her willingness to explore new opportunities suggests that she is building a legacy that extends beyond her results on the mountain.

Ultimately, her comments during the CNBC interview painted a picture of an athlete who is both reflective and forward-looking. She appreciates what she has accomplished while remaining motivated to pursue further success.

Mikaela Shiffrin shone on Wall Street. | Image: NYSE

If her words are any indication, Mikaela Shiffrin is far from finished. Whether on the slopes or in new ventures beyond them, she appears poised to continue making an impact and adding new chapters to an already extraordinary career.