Two of the world’s most dominant female athletes, from two completely different sports, recently connected over a shared passion for helping the next generation. Skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin shared a heartfelt message for Slovenian rock climber Janja Garnbret, celebrating her remarkable achievements outside the climbing wall. The gesture underscores a bond founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to philanthropy.
Why Did Mikaela Shiffrin Send a Heartfelt Message to Janja Garnbret?
Janja Garnbret recently concluded her role as an ambassador for a sports godfatherhood initiative, a position dedicated to raising funds for young athletes and para-athletes. As an ambassador, Garnbret was incredibly effective, helping raise more than 300,000 EUR for underprivileged children. Following her successful term, volleyball player Tine Urnaut took over the duties at a recent gala event.
Professionally, Garnbret is one of the most decorated rock climbers in history, with two Olympic gold medals to her name. During the 2025 season, the Slovenian star also won two gold medals at the IFSC Climbing World Championships in Seoul.
In a surprise video message, Mikaela Shiffrin congratulated Garnbret on her success in both her sport and her charitable work. She stated, “Hi Janja, it’s Mikaela. I just wanted to wish you the biggest congratulations for your entire career. Countless World Championships, 10 I think, two Olympic gold medals.”
Shiffrin also praised the Slovenian athlete’s dedication to supporting young athletes. “I mean, it’s incredible what you have achieved on the wall and also equally off the wall. Such commitment to raise funds for youth in sports and so many things beyond that,” Shiffrin said.
The tribute comes as Shiffrin recently returned to skiing action after her offseason. She participated in her first race in the Soelden leg of the FIS Ski World Cup, where she finished fourth in the giant slalom event.
How Is Shiffrin Approaching the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics?
Shiffrin also recently shared her feelings about the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, which will be her first appearance at the Games since a challenging performance in Beijing in 2022. In that competition, the American skier did not finish the slalom and giant slalom races, and as a result, failed to win a medal.
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Speaking about her mindset for the Winter Olympics, Shiffrin explained that she is focused on being relaxed, regardless of the outcome. She said, “I think it’s not so much about unfinished business, but it’s more about making peace. For me, being peaceful with the Olympics would be to go and openly accept anything that happens, and to know maybe I can walk away with medals, maybe I don’t, and to live in that and to be able to take that and feel it.”
The American skiing legend specifically referred to her experience in Beijing, adding, “I don’t want Beijing to be a reason that I am scared of the Olympics.”
During the conversation, Shiffrin also remarked that despite the disappointing results, she loved competing in that edition of the Winter Olympics.
