NEW ERA: Netflix Unveils Documentary on Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn — A Deep Dive into the Lives of Two Alpine Skiing Legends

In a groundbreaking move for sports media and the world of alpine skiing, Netflix is set to release a feature-length documentary that explores the lives, careers, and personal journeys of two of the sport’s most iconic athletes: Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn. Aptly titled “New Era: The Time Has Come,” the documentary promises to be more than just a chronicle of wins and losses. It aims to humanize these fierce competitors and trailblazers, offering an intimate look at what it takes to rise to the top—and stay there.

This highly anticipated documentary is not only a celebration of excellence in winter sports but also a poignant look at the sacrifices, mental battles, and moments of vulnerability behind the medals. With both athletes at pivotal stages in their careers—Vonn now retired and Shiffrin reaching new heights—the film sets the stage for an unprecedented exploration of legacy, transition, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

A Tale of Two Titans

To say that Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin are alpine skiing legends would be an understatement. Between them, they hold multiple Olympic medals, World Cup titles, and dozens of broken records. Yet their journeys couldn’t be more different—and that contrast is at the heart of the Netflix documentary.

Lindsey Vonn, often dubbed “The Queen of Speed,” is known for her fearless style and sheer physicality on the slopes. She retired in 2019 as one of the most decorated female skiers in history, boasting 82 World Cup wins, just shy of the all-time record held by Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark. Vonn’s career was defined by perseverance in the face of injuries, public scrutiny, and personal loss.

Mikaela Shiffrin, on the other hand, is the embodiment of technical perfection. Still in the prime of her career, she has already surpassed numerous records, including the most World Cup victories by any skier, male or female. Known for her quiet determination and laser-like focus, Shiffrin represents a new generation of athletes who balance mental health advocacy with competitive excellence.

Behind the Medals

What sets this documentary apart is its focus on the person behind the performance. While the public sees the triumphs—the Olympic podiums, the gold medals, the tearful victories—few understand the immense personal toll that such success can exact.

For Vonn, this meant confronting a series of injuries that nearly ended her career multiple times. The film delves into her decision to continue competing despite chronic pain, as well as her difficult choice to retire when her body could no longer keep up with her ambition.

For Shiffrin, the emotional core of the documentary centers around the unexpected death of her father in 2020, a tragedy that threatened to derail her career and well-being. Viewers will see never-before-released footage and interviews where she opens up about grief, burnout, and the struggle to find purpose outside of skiing.

A New Kind of Sports Storytelling

New Era: The Time Has Come represents a shift in how sports stories are told. In an age where documentaries like The Last Dance (Michael Jordan) and Formula 1: Drive to Survive have redefined athlete narratives, Netflix is betting that alpine skiing—and its leading ladies—have a similarly compelling story to tell.

The film uses a blend of archival race footage, behind-the-scenes training clips, and candid interviews with the athletes, their families, coaches, and sports journalists. The cinematography captures the breathtaking beauty of mountain landscapes and the dangerous intensity of competitive downhill racing.

But more importantly, the documentary aims to inspire. It shows that champions are not just made on the podium but in quiet moments of resilience, doubt, and self-reflection.

The Gender Factor

The documentary also doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges that female athletes, particularly in less-publicized sports, face in terms of visibility, sponsorship, and respect. Both Vonn and Shiffrin have been vocal advocates for gender equality in sports, and the film highlights their efforts to pave the way for future generations.

Vonn has long spoken out about the pay gap and lack of media coverage for women in skiing, while Shiffrin continues to push for greater athlete representation and improved mental health resources. Together, their voices have changed the narrative, making it more inclusive and empowering for young girls watching from the sidelines.

A Look Toward the Future

While Lindsey Vonn now finds herself in a new role as a media personality, entrepreneur, and mentor, Shiffrin remains laser-focused on the next Winter Olympics and continuing to raise the bar in technical skiing. But their journeys are forever intertwined—each representing a different chapter in the evolution of alpine skiing.

In the final scenes of the documentary, there is a palpable sense of passing the torch. Vonn speaks candidly about her admiration for Shiffrin, while Shiffrin acknowledges the path Vonn helped carve out. It’s a moment that transcends sport, emphasizing legacy over competition.

Reception and Impact

Although the film has yet to be released, early previews and critic screenings have generated buzz. Skiing fans are eager to see more personal content from their heroes, while casual viewers are drawn to the human interest angle and the emotional storytelling that has become a Netflix hallmark.

The documentary is expected to debut worldwide in late 2025, timed ahead of the next World Cup season. It is already being touted as a potential awards contender and a benchmark for future sports documentaries centered on female athletes.

Conclusion

New Era: The Time Has Come is more than a tribute to two skiing superstars—it’s a universal story of ambition, resilience, and transformation. Whether you’re a lifelong alpine fan or new to the sport, this documentary offers a window into the human spirit through the lens of two extraordinary women who dared to redefine what greatness looks like.

In telling the stories of Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn, Netflix isn’t just spotlighting two athletes—it’s chronicling a shift in the very fabric of sport. And in doing so, it invites all of us to consider what it really means to be a legend.

Mikaela Shiffrin Reflects on Legacy, Pressure, and Comparisons to Skiing Legends in Candid Interview with Mike Tirico

In a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation with veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico, alpine skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin opened up about the growing weight of legacy, the frequent comparisons to skiing greats of the past, and her own evolving relationship with the sport she has dominated for over a decade.

The interview, part of a special feature aired during NBC’s winter sports coverage, offered a rare and intimate look into the mind of a champion who has already rewritten the record books but insists that her journey is about more than just numbers.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Shiffrin, who recently surpassed the all-time record for World Cup victories—previously held by Swedish legend Ingemar Stenmark—spoke humbly about her accomplishments. “It’s hard to wrap my head around being mentioned in the same breath as some of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport,” she told Tirico. “I still feel like I’m learning, like I’m trying to improve every time I get on the mountain.”

The 29-year-old American skier has consistently defied expectations since bursting onto the scene in her teenage years, quickly earning a reputation for technical precision, icy composure, and a relentless drive. Her dominance in both slalom and giant slalom has made her a fixture atop podiums, while her versatility across disciplines has set her apart in the annals of alpine skiing.

On Comparisons to Legends

When Tirico asked how she deals with constant comparisons to icons like Lindsey Vonn and Stenmark, Shiffrin paused thoughtfully before responding. “I have immense respect for Lindsey and Ingemar—not just for what they achieved, but for how they carried themselves in their careers. But I’ve always felt that the only person I should be competing with is myself.”

She continued, “Those comparisons are inevitable, but they can also be distracting. Everyone’s journey is different. I try to focus on skiing well and staying healthy—mentally and physically. If I can do that, then I feel like I’m honoring the sport and the people who inspired me to get into it in the first place.”

Handling Pressure and Personal Growth

The conversation also touched on the emotional challenges that come with elite-level competition. Shiffrin has been candid in the past about the mental toll of fame, expectation, and personal tragedy—including the loss of her father in 2020. In her sit-down with Tirico, she acknowledged the ongoing process of balancing ambition with self-care.

“There were moments when I wondered if I could keep going,” she admitted. “The grief, the pressure—it can be overwhelming. But I’ve learned to listen to myself, to take a step back when needed, and to lean on the people around me.”

Shiffrin praised her support system, including her family, coaches, and partner Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, a fellow World Cup skier. “They’ve been my rock. Having someone who understands what this life demands is a huge gift.”

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Shiffrin remains both grounded and motivated. “I don’t know how many more seasons I’ll compete at this level,” she said with a smile. “But I still feel the fire. There are goals I haven’t reached yet—races I haven’t won, moments I still dream about.”

In an era increasingly defined by short attention spans and fleeting fame, Shiffrin’s longevity, humility, and grace under pressure make her not just a legend in the making, but a role model for athletes across all sports. Her conversation with Mike Tirico was more than just a retrospective—it was a window into the heart and mind of a competitor who continues to redefine what greatness looks like, on her own terms.

Mikaela Shiffrin recounts being in’survival mode’ with her fiancé following their different ski accidents (exclusive)

The American alpine skier, who recently won her 101st World Cup, speaks exclusively with PEOPLE about overcoming injuries with her fiancé Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

Skier Mikaela Shiffrin is back on the slopes after a life-threatening incident in November, scoring her 101st World Cup win on Thursday, March 27

Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Kilde. Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Shiffrin tells PEOPLE that the victory came after a difficult few months of recuperation, for both her and her fiancé, fellow skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

The duo is now determined to make the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Despite hurdles, Mikaela Shiffrin is unstoppable!

The most decorated skier in World Cup history chatted with PEOPLE exclusively on Tuesday, April 1, after yet another successful season, opening up about the ups and downs she faced on and off the slopes.

Shiffrin, 30, won her 101st World Cup in the championships in Sun Valley, Idaho on March 27, a remarkable result considering her life-threatening injury from a ski fall in November.

Meanwhile, Shiffrin’s fiancé, Alexander Aamodt Kilde, is recovering after a “brutal” collision in Switzerland in January 2024. He underwent surgery, spent the last 15 months in rehabilitation, and has yet to return to the slopes.

“We both have been in survival mode for the last year and a half,” Shiffrin tells PEOPLE exclusively of herself and her fiancé following their individual catastrophes. “Total survival mode,” she says.

Mikaela Shiffrin and her fiance, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.
Mikaela Shiffrin/ Instagram

“This season has been pretty hard in particular because of his injury, also because of mine,” Shiffrin elaborates. “The time that we’ve been able to spend together hasn’t been super high quality.”

Shiffrin’s injury at the Stifel Killington Cup in Vermont in November left her and Kilde at home for the first time, but because she “wasn’t moving,” they struggled to enjoy their time together.

“I did not want to be touched.” Shiffrin, who underwent surgery to cure a puncture wound in her belly after hitting a fence and being “stabbed” by a sharp item in the fall, recalls the discomfort of doing everything.

“It was like coughing, sneezing, and laughing hurt,” Shiffrin admits.

Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates winning her 101st World Cup championship.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Shiffrin complimented Kilde’s mental strength in cheering her on as she won her 100th World Cup, despite his ongoing recuperation.

“I was able to return and [he] supported me in the return, understanding that my return to racing brought on its own challenges which are very different from the challenges he’s faced,” she says.

“He’s so good about being able to compartmentalize the road that he’s on, which is something I can’t even imagine how difficult it’s been,” she says of her fiancé. “And to still be able to support me in my own road, it’s really incredible.”

Alexander Aamodt Kilde and Mikaela Shiffrin.
Mikaela Shiffrin / Instagram

Although the season is over, the power couple has already set their sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics. Rest and healing, though, is the name of their game in the months ahead.

“Crossing our fingers that he is also able to get there, and then all the stars align and all the work is done and pays off, so that we’re both able to compete,” adds Shiffrin, who has won three Olympic medals. “I would be just so excited to watch him get back in the start gate of a race and then the Olympics.”

Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde Share the Secret to Their Strong Relationship: “We Are Just Authentic”

In a world where fame and constant media attention often strain even the strongest of relationships, ski racing power couple Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde have discovered a rare formula for love and longevity: authenticity. The Olympic champions, both dominant forces in alpine skiing, have opened up about the core values that keep their relationship thriving amid the pressures of international stardom, competition, and travel. Their message is refreshingly simple yet deeply profound—being real with each other is what keeps their bond solid.

Shiffrin, widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time, and Kilde, a Norwegian downhill and super-G star, first made their relationship public in 2021. Since then, fans and media alike have been captivated not only by their individual sporting achievements but also by their evident support and admiration for one another. In recent interviews, both athletes have spoken candidly about how their romance has developed, and what truly makes it work behind the scenes.

“We are just authentic,” Shiffrin said in a recent discussion about her personal life. “There’s no pretending or acting like we’re something we’re not. We share everything with each other—the good, the bad, and everything in between.”

This sentiment is echoed by Kilde, who highlights that their relationship is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and the ability to be completely themselves around one another. “There’s no pressure to impress,” he added. “We already know each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities, and we embrace them all. That’s where the real connection comes from.”

The pair first met on the World Cup circuit and remained friends for years before their relationship turned romantic. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, their bond deepened. Away from the spotlight and racing schedule, they had time to grow closer without external distractions. This allowed them to build a foundation based not on fame or image, but on shared values and genuine emotional connection.

Their public interactions—whether cheering each other on from the sidelines or exchanging lighthearted social media banter—have often been seen as a window into their sincere affection and companionship. Fans frequently comment on how grounded they seem, despite their superstar status.

In a culture where relationships can often feel curated for social media or distorted by public personas, Shiffrin and Kilde’s down-to-earth love story is a breath of fresh air. They admit that they’ve had to navigate difficult moments—long periods apart due to training and competition schedules, dealing with injuries, or coping with personal loss. But even in those times, their commitment to openness and honesty has remained unwavering.

Shiffrin has spoken in the past about how Kilde supported her during one of the most emotionally challenging periods of her life: the sudden death of her father, Jeff Shiffrin, in 2020. In her words, Kilde’s presence helped her heal and begin to find joy again in skiing. “He didn’t try to fix things. He just showed up, listened, and let me be me,” she said.

That level of emotional support and understanding is a cornerstone of their relationship. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers, they emphasize, but about showing up for each other with compassion and honesty.

For younger fans and aspiring athletes watching them, their relationship serves as more than just a romantic storyline—it’s a lesson in empathy, balance, and real connection. In a world driven by performance, metrics, and often unrealistic standards, Shiffrin and Kilde remind us that authenticity can be the strongest glue in any bond.

As both continue their illustrious careers—setting records, climbing podiums, and inspiring the next generation—they’re also proving that love doesn’t have to take a backseat to ambition. In fact, it can be the very force that fuels it.

Whether on the snow-covered slopes or in quiet moments away from the cameras, Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde continue to show that true partnership is about being real, being kind, and most importantly, being yourself.

Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde Share the Secret to Their Strong Relationship: “We Are Just Authentic”

In a world where fame and constant media attention often strain even the strongest of relationships, ski racing power couple Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde have discovered a rare formula for love and longevity: authenticity. The Olympic champions, both dominant forces in alpine skiing, have opened up about the core values that keep their relationship thriving amid the pressures of international stardom, competition, and travel. Their message is refreshingly simple yet deeply profound—being real with each other is what keeps their bond solid.

Shiffrin, widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time, and Kilde, a Norwegian downhill and super-G star, first made their relationship public in 2021. Since then, fans and media alike have been captivated not only by their individual sporting achievements but also by their evident support and admiration for one another. In recent interviews, both athletes have spoken candidly about how their romance has developed, and what truly makes it work behind the scenes.

“We are just authentic,” Shiffrin said in a recent discussion about her personal life. “There’s no pretending or acting like we’re something we’re not. We share everything with each other—the good, the bad, and everything in between.”

This sentiment is echoed by Kilde, who highlights that their relationship is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and the ability to be completely themselves around one another. “There’s no pressure to impress,” he added. “We already know each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities, and we embrace them all. That’s where the real connection comes from.”

The pair first met on the World Cup circuit and remained friends for years before their relationship turned romantic. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, their bond deepened. Away from the spotlight and racing schedule, they had time to grow closer without external distractions. This allowed them to build a foundation based not on fame or image, but on shared values and genuine emotional connection.

Their public interactions—whether cheering each other on from the sidelines or exchanging lighthearted social media banter—have often been seen as a window into their sincere affection and companionship. Fans frequently comment on how grounded they seem, despite their superstar status.

In a culture where relationships can often feel curated for social media or distorted by public personas, Shiffrin and Kilde’s down-to-earth love story is a breath of fresh air. They admit that they’ve had to navigate difficult moments—long periods apart due to training and competition schedules, dealing with injuries, or coping with personal loss. But even in those times, their commitment to openness and honesty has remained unwavering.

Shiffrin has spoken in the past about how Kilde supported her during one of the most emotionally challenging periods of her life: the sudden death of her father, Jeff Shiffrin, in 2020. In her words, Kilde’s presence helped her heal and begin to find joy again in skiing. “He didn’t try to fix things. He just showed up, listened, and let me be me,” she said.

That level of emotional support and understanding is a cornerstone of their relationship. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers, they emphasize, but about showing up for each other with compassion and honesty.

For younger fans and aspiring athletes watching them, their relationship serves as more than just a romantic storyline—it’s a lesson in empathy, balance, and real connection. In a world driven by performance, metrics, and often unrealistic standards, Shiffrin and Kilde remind us that authenticity can be the strongest glue in any bond.

As both continue their illustrious careers—setting records, climbing podiums, and inspiring the next generation—they’re also proving that love doesn’t have to take a backseat to ambition. In fact, it can be the very force that fuels it.

Whether on the snow-covered slopes or in quiet moments away from the cameras, Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde continue to show that true partnership is about being real, being kind, and most importantly, being yourself.