The world of professional skiing isn’t a cakewalk to follow. The roar of the crowd can be both a blessing and a curse. Along with success and fame, athletes often carry the weight of not only their own expectations but also the collective opinions of fans and critics. When they falter, the world watches closely, and sometimes, the pressure becomes overwhelming. The maxim of the statement, “the best weight you can ever lose is of public opinion” fits perfectly here.

However, a notable champion is now breaking the silence and leading the way for much-needed conversations in sports. Alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin, a three-time Olympic winner, has opened up about her struggles and losses in a recent Instagram video, that showcases her honest words and commitment to growth.

Mikaela Shiffrin lets ‘it flow’

In the Instagram video posted on September 15th, Mikaela Shiffrin’s words reverberated deeply among her fans and fellow athletes. She spoke on a renowned Instagram page, ‘Finding Mastery’ with its founder, Dr. Michael Gervais. The video came along with a cryptic caption, When other people’s opinions begin to hold you back, what do you do? It takes time, it takes skill, and it takes practice… and @mikaelashiffrin is letting it flow.”

In the few seconds reel, she candidly states, “There’s still a part of me that listens to the external thoughts and opinions for sure, I don’t know anybody I certainly know for myself it isn’t possible yet to literally block out the noise completely and I like to let the noise flow through and that’s how a bit more manageable  rather being like, “oh I am not listening” that’s toxic, it’s more like I heard that and I’m just going to choose to let it pass through.”

Notably, this isn’t the first time Shiffrin has shared her thoughts openly. In the same podcast with Dr. Gervais, she delved into her thoughts on performance anxiety, a topic that has been making headlines in the skiing community.

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Shiffrin’s take on performance anxiety

As the skiing world eagerly anticipates the 2023/2024 Alpine Ski World Cup, Shiffrin remains poised for the challenges ahead. The anticipation surrounding her performance in the forthcoming championship is palpable. Mikaela Shiffrin’s revelations have ignited discussions that extend far beyond the skiing world. 

Shiffrin says, “Do the work. Love the work. Own the process.” Continuing, ” “I might never win again, but I don’t care about that. I just care that I’m willing to work hard enough to do it.” This serves as a reminder of her dedication to her craft, even in the face of adversity. Her declaration that winning isn’t her sole focus but rather her willingness to put in the hard work speaks volumes about her resilience and determination.

In essence, Mikaela Shiffrin’s candidness about the weight of public opinion and her struggles with performance anxiety is a refreshing departure from the norm in the world of sports. Her openness paves the way for essential conversations.

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