An Open Letter from Mikaela Shiffrin to Lindsey Vonn and the Alpine Skiing Community
Dear Lindsey,
I’m writing this letter with so much gratitude and respect, as I think of you not just as a legendary athlete, but as a guiding force for alpine skiing and for the many young skiers, including myself, who have looked up to you over the years. You are the trailblazer who set the bar in ways that made every one of us push beyond what we thought was possible. It’s hard to believe how quickly time passes, but it feels like just yesterday when I was watching you dominate the slopes and feeling a fire inside me that I wanted to keep skiing and pushing toward greatness in this sport.
To begin with, thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for skiing. Not just your victories, which are a testament to your immense talent and dedication, but also for the doors you’ve opened for women in sport. You’ve shown us that skiing is not just for the chosen few but for those who are willing to work relentlessly and dedicate themselves to their craft. As much as I admire your record, what stands out to me is your heart — the way you’ve carried yourself both on and off the slopes. You’ve been a role model, a leader, and a true ambassador for skiing, and we will forever be grateful for everything you’ve done to raise the profile of our sport.
When I look at your journey — your highs, your lows, the injuries, the recoveries — I see a story that’s as much about resilience as it is about achievement. In a way, watching you go through the tough moments with such grace taught me a lot about facing adversity. I remember being a kid and hearing about your injuries, but then seeing you bounce back with the kind of determination that made me believe that nothing is impossible, that even when things don’t go as planned, there is always a path forward.
I remember when I was starting my career, it was your achievements that inspired me to believe that I could achieve more. You not only competed with fierce intensity, but you also showed us that skiing is about so much more than just the results. It’s about the journey — the joy of the sport, the passion we put into every run, the love for the mountain. Your dedication to the sport has left a lasting mark on all of us, and it is something I carry with me every time I race, whether in victory or defeat.
It’s also impossible to ignore the fact that you’ve been a pioneer for women in the sport. You’ve broken down barriers and shown us that there’s no limit to what we can achieve. Your courage and conviction to be unapologetically yourself have paved the way for women athletes to stand taller, stronger, and prouder than ever before. Because of you, women’s alpine skiing now gets the attention and respect it deserves, and I’m proud to continue that legacy.
Your achievements will forever be etched in the annals of skiing history, and your story will continue to motivate generations of athletes to come. But I also want to take this moment to recognize the lasting impact you’ve had on me personally. Your guidance has been crucial in shaping the mindset I carry with me as I compete on the world stage. Whether we’ve shared moments on the podium or in a quiet locker room, I’ve always looked to you for inspiration.
As I continue to push myself and chase the next goal, I am deeply aware that I stand on the shoulders of giants, and you are one of the giants I stand upon. It’s not just about breaking records, but about the legacy we leave — not just for the sport, but for the fans, the families, and the entire alpine skiing community. This community you helped build has such a powerful bond. It’s about inspiring each other, learning from each other, and supporting one another. The strength we find in this sport is not only in the runs we make, but in the camaraderie and respect we share with those who have paved the way before us.
To the entire skiing community, thank you for your unwavering support. As an athlete, I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of this global family. We have our differences, but at the end of the day, we share a love for the sport that binds us all together. I’ll continue to give my all, inspired by your legacy and the incredible foundation you’ve built.
Lindsey, you’ve redefined the sport of alpine skiing, and I can only hope to contribute to that legacy as much as you have. From one skier to another, thank you for everything. You’ve made a lasting impact, and the entire world of skiing is better because of you.
With respect and gratitude,
Mikaela Shiffrin
