It even seems absurd”: Mikaela Shiffrin displays surprise support for Iga Swiatek following her impressive Cincinnati Open triumph

Mikaela Shiffrin, an American skiing celebrity, and Iga Swiatek, a Polish tennis great, have become close friends while dealing with the demands of stardom. Their relationship began in April 2023 during an Instagram Live where they openly discussed concerns in public life. Mikaela stated, “It’s exhausting…hard to know what to say and start a conversation,” while Iga remarked that fame makes it tougher to trust others, indicating a profound connection to each other’s challenges.

Iga Swiatek wins the 2025 Cincinnati Open in straight sets.

With a victory at the Cincinnati Open in 2025, Iga Swatek’s incredible streak continued. On August 19th, 2025, she defeated Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 to win her first Cincinnati Open title and eleventh WTA 1000 championship, moving into sole possession of second place in the all-time rankings for WTA 1000 titles after Serena Williams.

Iga demonstrated amazing determination throughout her run and did not lose a set. In the final, Paolini had an early lead after Iga fell behind, but Iga recovered to finish strong.

Iga’s triumph in this game was partly due to her ability to serve when necessary. Iga’s performance in this tournament allowed her to recapture the No. 2 WTA ranking, slightly ahead of Coco Gauff.

Mikaela Shiffrin and Iga Swiatek celebrate friendship and mutual support.
Mikaela and Iga’s friendship revolves around mutual support and joyous gatherings. Mikaela expressed her pleasure on social media after Iga won in Cincinnati, writing, “Let’s go, Iga!!” Jazda”.

Personal interactions have also contributed to the strength of their friendship. On February 23, 2025, Iga congratulated Mikaela on her historic 100th World Cup victory in Sestriere, Italy, with a heartfelt greeting, “Wow!” What you’re doing is monumental. Congratulations on your 100th World Cup victory. It even sounds silly.

Mikaela promised to name one of her reindeer after Iga during the 2024-25 season in a humorous scene. Iga reacted enthusiastically, “Waiting for ‘Iga'”.

Their friendship exemplifies the importance of mutual respect and shared experiences outside the confines of their respective sports.

Mikaela Shiffrin updates us from the slopes of Valle Nevado, Chile

Mikaela Shiffrin is in Chile, practicing on Valle Nevado’s world-class slopes.

Mikaela Shiffrin is now training on world-class slopes in Valle Nevado, Chile. Shiffrin has been in South America since mid-August, practicing for the US Ski Team’s forthcoming World Cup and Olympic competition schedule, and she has just arrived in Valle Nevado, where she has not skied in a decade but holds a special place in her heart.

“It’s been ten years since I’ve trained here, so it’s great to be back. Very pleasant conditions, with great sunny weather. It brings me back to my early days of ski racing, which is really pleasant.” Michaela Shiffrin

Shiffrin has been working hard during the summer after a historic comeback season that began with a terrible injury sustained following a giant slalom crash at the Killington World Cup in November 2024, which sidelined her for two months. She overcame her injury and won her 100th World Cup in February in Italy. We’re excited to see one of the best ever return to top form on the slopes of this historic Chilean resort.

“We are honoured to welcome her back to our mountain, where some of the world’s top northern hemisphere athletes come to prepare for the season ahead.” Valle Nevado

About Valle Nevado.

Valle Nevado celebrated its grand opening in June 1988. For the past 38 years, the resort has provided excellent skiing and snow conditions. The mountain features 44 slopes and 13 lifts, including chairlifts, a gondola, and surface lifts.

The resort’s Puerta de Sol is giving 30% off nights from September 28th to October 5th, with packages that include breakfast, supper, and lift tickets. Valle Nevado is accessible by the Ikon Pass, Power Pass, and Mountain Collective Pass. Book your ski trip before the season ends. Don’t miss out.

Beyond the Slopes: A Glimpse Into Mikaela Shiffrin’s Life Outside Skiing

More Than Just Medals

When people hear the name Mikaela Shiffrin, they think of speed, precision, and endless records on the icy slopes. She is one of the greatest alpine skiers in history, a two-time Olympic champion, and a woman who has reached milestones that few athletes ever dream of. But there is another side to Mikaela—one that fans don’t see on race day. Away from the bright lights and cheering crowds, she is simply Mikaela: a young woman who loves music, family, food, and finding joy in life’s quieter moments.

Music as a Source of Joy

One of Mikaela’s favorite ways to unwind is through music. Many fans are surprised to learn that she plays both the piano and the guitar. She has often shared how music helps her reset after long, stressful days on the slopes. Sitting down at the piano allows her to let go of the intensity of competition and connect with a softer, more creative side of herself.

Her playlists are diverse—she enjoys everything from classical pieces to modern pop. Mikaela has admitted to being a huge Taylor Swift fan, often turning to Swift’s songs for both motivation and comfort. Music, for her, is not just entertainment but a reminder that there is more to life than training and winning. It’s a way of keeping balance in a life that could easily tilt toward constant pressure.

A Passion for Cooking and Baking

Another part of Mikaela’s off-the-slopes life is her love of cooking and baking. In interviews, she has laughed about how much she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, even if things don’t always turn out perfectly. Baking bread, trying out new pasta recipes, or whipping up cookies for her family gives her a sense of normalcy and comfort.

Food is also a way she connects with her loved ones. Sitting around the table with her family or her fiancé, Aleksander Kilde, sharing a homemade meal, is one of the ways she recharges. It’s far from the glamour of podiums and press conferences, but in these simple moments, Mikaela finds the warmth and grounding she needs to keep chasing her dreams.

Time With Family and Her Dogs

Family has always been at the center of Mikaela’s life. The passing of her father, Jeff Shiffrin, in 2020, was a heartbreaking loss that she still speaks about with tenderness. His memory continues to guide her, both in her career and her personal life. When she’s not skiing, Mikaela cherishes the time she spends with her mother, her brother, and her closest circle.

She also has a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. Pictures of Mikaela relaxing with her pets show a different side of her—the playful, carefree Mikaela who laughs easily and enjoys quiet companionship. For someone who spends her life in the public eye, those private, cozy moments with family and pets are priceless.

Adventures With Aleksander Kilde

Of course, Mikaela’s life outside skiing has also been brightened by her relationship with Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, a fellow alpine skiing star. The two have become a beloved couple in the sports world, admired for their mutual support and shared resilience through injuries and challenges.

When they’re not competing, they enjoy traveling together, whether it’s for training camps or vacations. Their trips aren’t always about adventure—sometimes it’s about relaxing by a pool, exploring new cities, or just enjoying each other’s company far away from the demanding routines of professional sport. Fans love seeing these glimpses, often shared through photos or short videos, because they show Mikaela as not just a champion, but a partner and a person in love.

The Comfort of Simple Routines

Despite her fame, Mikaela is known for her down-to-earth personality. She values routines that keep her life grounded. Reading a book, taking walks, cooking simple meals, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home—these are the kinds of moments that keep her balanced.

She has often spoken about the importance of slowing down. With the constant pressure of travel, media attention, and competition, finding peace in everyday routines is vital. These small rituals are what make Mikaela feel like herself, even when the world sees her only as the record-breaking champion.

Giving Back and Inspiring Others

Another important part of Mikaela’s life beyond skiing is the way she uses her platform to inspire others. She has supported charitable initiatives and has spoken openly about mental health, especially after dealing with grief and recovery from injury.

By sharing her struggles alongside her triumphs, Mikaela has shown fans that even the strongest athletes face challenges. Her honesty has made her a role model not just for aspiring skiers, but for anyone striving to overcome hardship.

Finding Balance Between Fame and Privacy

It’s easy to imagine that life as a world-famous athlete is glamorous, but Mikaela has often made it clear that she values privacy and normalcy. She has said that the attention and constant spotlight can feel overwhelming at times, which is why her personal life—the music, cooking, family time, and quiet days—matters so much to her.

She reminds her fans that being a champion is only one part of who she is. The other part is a woman who cherishes love, laughter, and the ordinary moments that bring happiness.

Why Fans Love Her Off-the-Slope Stories

Fans admire Mikaela not only because she is extraordinary on the slopes, but because she is relatable off of them. Seeing her cook, laugh with her family, play music, or cuddle her dogs makes people feel connected to her in a way that statistics and records never could.

Her life outside skiing is a reminder that greatness doesn’t mean perfection. It means being able to chase excellence while still holding onto the simple joys that make us human.

A Life Lived Fully

Mikaela Shiffrin will always be remembered for her unmatched achievements in alpine skiing. But the fuller picture of her life—the music, the family dinners, the love she shares with Aleksander, and the way she carries her father’s memory—is what truly makes her story inspiring.

Beyond the slopes, Mikaela is living a life filled with balance, love, and purpose. And perhaps that is the real secret to her success: knowing when to push forward at full speed, and when to slow down to enjoy the beauty of the everyday.