I’m unsure if I would want my teenage self to be aware of where I am now, especially considering I’ve had to do it without one of the most significant people in my life.

I sometimes wonder if I’d want my teenage self to know where I am now, especially considering the absence of one of the most significant people in my life. My journey began with a major move from Colorado to the East Coast when I was just seven years old. I was deeply upset by this transition; I had to leave behind my friends and the familiar snowy, sunny Colorado landscape. Moving to New Hampshire brought rainy winters and a sense of depression that lasted through that first winter. However, gradually, I discovered a renewed sense of purpose and joy through ski racing. I found friendship in the sport and realized that inspiration and passion aren’t necessarily tied to a specific place but are more about the people around you, your family, and the activities that give your life meaning. Looking back, I believe that moving actually allowed me to explore my passions more deeply than I might have if I had stayed in Colorado.

Later, my family moved again from New Hampshire back to Colorado, a transition that was particularly difficult because it came at a critical point when I was deciding whether to continue with ski racing. Ultimately, my love for the sport was the driving force that kept me going through those challenging times.

The Important Role of My Mother

My mother has always been my best friend, coach, and teacher. Since I can remember, she’s been a constant presence in my life. When I started heading toward a ski academy, I was still too young for traditional schooling, so she managed a homeschooling program for me. My mother had been a nurse before my brother and I were born, but she took a break from her career for about 14 or 15 years to focus on raising us. During that period, she shaped my athletic journey by coaching me and translating complex movement patterns into understandable verbal instructions.

I genuinely believe she’s the most talented coach I’ve ever worked with in skiing, tennis, windsurfing, or any sport I’ve pursued. She has an incredible ability to explain things clearly and effectively. However, balancing the roles of best friend, mother, teacher, and coach has been challenging, especially as I entered the World Cup circuit and was still figuring out who I was. We’ve had difficult conversations, but she remains the first person I want to share everything with. I call her regularly, and she’s always there for me.

Shiffrin says her mom is her best friend.Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP via Getty Images

The past six years have been especially tough for our family, following my father’s passing. During this period, my mother has shown me what it truly means to be strong—not just to appear strong, but to genuinely embody resilience. I’ve learned that strength isn’t about feeling invincible but about persevering through weakness and adversity. Her example has taught me that real strength is often demonstrated in our most vulnerable moments, and that resilience is a form of inner power.

Balancing Training and Education

When I first entered the World Cup, I was also trying to complete high school. My schedule was packed, and I was studying chemistry while traveling. During the summer, my mother would sit with me to study biology, essentially re-taking high school courses alongside me so I could graduate. People often ask how I unwind, assuming I relax on weekends, but that’s not how our routine works. Our training sessions take place during the week, preparing us for races on weekends, which are typically when most others are relaxing. We don’t really have a time when we can fully switch off or relax. Sometimes, I manage to find 30 minutes to watch a TV show, but that’s a rare luxury. Most days, it’s about making small connections with loved ones and finding moments of calm amid the busy schedule. Weekends are different—they’re important—but not necessarily relaxing.

Shiffrin crashed while racing in 2024 in Killington.Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Resilience After Injury and Loss

After experiencing a serious accident, I honestly didn’t care if I ever raced again. The motivation to get back on skis initially came from the encouragement of those around me—my mother, close friends, trusted advisors, and long-term sponsors like Barilla. These people invested in me, showed kindness, and made me feel part of a family during some of the hardest times. Their support reminded me of my love for skiing and suggested that perhaps the mountains could help me heal. My mother even said that I might connect with my dad better through the mountains.

In the first one or two years after my injury, I faced extreme fatigue, brain fog, and signs of PTSD that I didn’t fully understand at the time. It was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other without any tangible reason—just trusting that there would be a brighter future ahead. I believed that nothing lasts forever, even the hard times. I didn’t start exploring psychology or grief counseling until after the Beijing Olympics, which marked the second anniversary of my father’s death. That summer, I began working with a grief counselor.

The Power of Inner Strength and Reflection

When people ask what I wish my teenage self knew about where I am now, I usually say I wouldn’t want to know. I don’t think I would want my younger self to realize that I could reach this level of achievement without one of the most important people in my life. I believe that knowing that would have been too overwhelming. Sometimes, the journey of life is better experienced without the burden of such knowledge.

Mikaela Shiffrin says long-standing partners like Barilla helped her get back on skis.Courtesy of Barilla

My story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of support systems. My family, especially my mother, has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. Despite the pain of loss and the struggles along the way, I’ve learned that true strength isn’t about feeling invincible but about pushing through adversity and finding hope even in the darkest moments. My journey continues to be guided by the people who believe in me, and my hope is that my story can inspire others to find their resilience amid challenges.