The Winter Olympics 2022 was supposed to be the stuff of dreams for Mikaela Shiffrin as she came to it aiming to win multiple medals. However, the fortnight was nothing less of a nightmare for her as things turned sour quickly.
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The alpine skier’s heart broke multiple times, and that did not change on the last day in the Mixed Team alpine skiing event. Although the US had a good team, they came fourth and just missed out on bronze.
The U.S. defeated Slovakia in the opening round and Italy in the quarterfinals, but lost to Germany in the semis and eventual bronze medalist, Norway.
This means that Mikaela, who originally came into the Games hoping to win multiple Gold Medals, will leave the country empty-handed. As the 26-year-old prepares to return home without a medal, fans from all over have showered her with love and support.
“nothing but love and respect for Mikaela Shiffrin!!!!!!!!!!” tweeted a user.
nothing but love and respect for mikaela shiffrin!!!!!!!!!!
— debbie harry impersonator (former) (@antsontheknees) February 20, 2022
Post her incomplete runs also, Mikaela was showered with love from fans who asked her to keep going. She is their champion alpine skier, and it breaks their heart to see Mikaela break down.
“It?s difficult to hear Mikaela Shiffrin being so hard on herself in post-race interviews,” tweeted journalist Kyle Clark.
It’s difficult to hear Mikaela Shiffrin being so hard on herself in post-race interviews. “I feel like a joke,” she said. “I don’t know if anybody failed that hard with so many opportunities.” She takes time to offer candid introspection. This has been hard but she is a champion.
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) February 17, 2022
Some other users also mentioned that it is unfair to put so much pressure on one athlete. It doesn’t help them in any way, and in the end, leaves them frustrated when they aren’t able to stand up to expectations.
Mikaela Shiffrin: A lesson in humility
One Olympic Games does not define Mikaela Shiffrin. Over the years, she has won endless championships and competitions to prove her supremacy in the sport.
Fans have appreciated Mikaela for her humility even after being under so much pressure.
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YANQING, CHINA – FEBRUARY 09: Mikaela Shiffrin of Team United States looks on prior to the Women’s Slalom Run 1 on day five of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at National Alpine Ski Centre on February 09, 2022 in Yanqing, China. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
A user has mentioned that Mikaela is winning as a true human and rightly so. She has proved that even in loss, there is still hope.
I’ve learned more about grace and humility from @MikaelaShiffrin this week than I’ve learned from any athlete. Ever. I hate that she didn’t achieve her goals. But she’s winning at being an incredible human!! I’m a fan for life!
— Kate LeBoeuf (@truffleboeuf) February 17, 2022
