Mikaela Shiffrin is renowned as one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, holding the record for the most World Cup victories, with 104 wins. She recently added to her tally at the Stifel Copper World Cup, earning her third straight slalom win on home snow.
Just days before that performance, Shiffrin reflected on the compliment that means the most to her. While opening up about it, she explained why that remark often comes with a hint of surprise and addressed the misconception behind it.
What Is the Compliment Mikaela Shiffrin Values Most and the Misunderstanding Behind It?
Shiffrin revealed that the compliment she values most is when people call her kind, often saying it with a touch of surprise. She noted that many people carry a preconceived idea that those who achieve a high level of success must be tough, cold, or ruthless.
In Episode 3 of the podcast, where she appeared alongside her close friend and U.S. Ski Team physical therapist, Regan Dewhirst, she opened up about this, pushing back against that stereotype. She said, “I think there is, like when people say, ‘Oh, you’re actually so kind’. Like they’re surprised.”
“Which maybe comes from, you know, just a general idea that in order to be successful in something, or to have a public persona at all, you kind of have to be ruthless. But, that’s not really the case,” the 30-year-old added. Through her words and her actions, Shiffrin emphasized that success and kindness can coexist.
Following her podcast appearance, Shiffrin’s recent race not only added another milestone to her record but also earned her a spot at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Shiffrin Opens Up on Copper Mountain Weekend, Cherishing Aleksander Kilde’s Comeback Moment
Following her successful weekend at Copper Mountain, Mikaela Shiffrin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, and fans who made the event special. She also acknowledged the physical challenge of competing at high altitude, admitting that racing at 10,000 feet left her legs and lungs still recovering.
In a touching Instagram post, Shiffrin opened up on the experience and the people who shaped it, writing: “I wanted to take some time to thank not only Copper, @copperpresident, and POWDR for all of your tireless work…but also the course crew, volunteers, sponsors, Stifel U.S. Ski Team, and ESPECIALLY, all of the fans who came out to support and waited so patiently all weekend for autographs and pictures.”
She went on to describe how meaningful the weekend felt on both a personal and professional level, from the tough racing conditions to her fiancé Aleksander Kilde’s return to the start gate, and the chance to spend Thanksgiving with her family.