Early Life and Education of Mikaela Shiffrin: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Mikaela Shiffrin, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Mikaela Shiffrin is an American World Cup alpine skier widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, holding the record for the most World Cup wins. She is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, a five-time Overall World Cup champion, and a four-time world champion in slalom. Shiffrin has also secured eight World Cup discipline titles in slalom. Notably, she is the youngest slalom gold medalist in Olympic history, achieving this at 18 years and 345 days old.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1992: Brother Taylor Born

In 1992, Mikaela Shiffrin's brother, Taylor, was born. He later raced for the University of Denver.

Others born on this day/year

March 13, 1995: Mikaela Shiffrin Born

On March 13, 1995, Mikaela Pauline Shiffrin was born. She would become an American World Cup alpine skier and is considered one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Family Moved to New Hampshire

In 2003, when Mikaela was eight years old, her family relocated to rural New Hampshire near Lyme, where her father, an anesthesiologist, began working at Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center.

2013: The Late Show Appearance

Days after her first World Cup finals in 2013, Mikaela Shiffrin was interviewed by David Letterman on the Late Show on March 19.

2013: Graduation from Burke Mountain Academy

In June 2013, Mikaela Shiffrin graduated from Burke Mountain Academy, balancing her high school studies with competing on the World Cup circuit in Europe.

July 12, 2014: Guest on NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

On July 12, 2014, Mikaela Shiffrin appeared as a guest on the NPR radio show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, winning the Not My Job game at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

January 2015: Identified Skiing Idols

In January 2015, Shiffrin named Croatian former ski racer Janica Kostelić and American Bode Miller as her idols.

October 27, 2016: Sports Gala Presentation

On October 27, 2016, Mikaela Shiffrin presented the award for the best Austrian sportsman to Marcel Hirscher at a sports gala in Austria, speaking in German.

March 2019: Media Appearances

In March 2019, following her record-setting World Cup season, Mikaela Shiffrin appeared on NBC's Today to discuss handling anxiety, addressed social media trolls on CNN, discussed pay equity on ABC's Good Morning America and Access, and taught Jimmy Fallon the shuffle dance on NBC's Tonight Show.

April 2019: NBC Olympic Channel Feature

In April 2019, NBC's Olympic channel dedicated 25 hours of prime-time to showcasing 20 of Mikaela Shiffrin's races from the 2018–2019 season.

February 2, 2020: Death of Father and Break from World Cup

On February 2, 2020, Mikaela Shiffrin's father died unexpectedly, causing her to take an indefinite break from the World Cup tour. This loss impacted her chances of securing a fourth consecutive title. Competitions and rankings shifted in her absence.

2021: Relationship with Aleksander Aamodt Kilde began

In 2021, Shiffrin began her relationship with Norwegian World Cup alpine ski racer Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

October 2022: Boomer Esiason Podcast Interview

In October 2022, Mikaela Shiffrin was interviewed on Boomer Esiason's podcast, during which a reference was made to her piece about her father's passing in "The Players' Tribune".

December 2022: YouTube Channel Launch

In December 2022, Mikaela Shiffrin began releasing documentary videos on her own YouTube channel, with themes and content of her choosing.

July 2023: "School of Greatness" Podcast Interview

In July 2023, Mikaela Shiffrin did an hour-long interview on Lewis Howes' "School of Greatness" podcast, conveying the message to young athletes that courage to try is more important than self-confidence in results.

April 4, 2024: Engagement Announced

On April 4, 2024, Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde announced their engagement.

November 30, 2024: Injury at Killington FIS World Cup

On November 30, 2024, Mikaela Shiffrin suffered a puncture wound to her right abdomen after crashing in the giant slalom at the FIS World Cup race in Killington, Vermont. She tumbled into two gates and hit the catch-fencing but was cleared of major injuries.