The last gold medal winner for the US in Sochi was also their youngest. 18-year old Mikaela Shiffrin became not only the youngest gold medalist in Sochi for the US but the youngest gold medalist ever in the slalom competition at the Olympics.
Shiffrin’s gold medal was not completely unexpected however. She’s also the reigning World Champion and won her first US National Championship at 16. She won the 2012-13 World Cup’s Slalom discipline with four wins and two third place finishes. She placed fifth overall in the World Cup standings.
The sacrifices are nothing compared to a dream dying- keep your dreams alive, give them all of your soul and #createyourownmiracle
— Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin) February 22, 2014
She’ll turn 19 next month and already has a World Championship, seven World Cup wins, and now an Olympic Gold Medal on her resume. The sky is the limit for Shiffrin. She is already tied with Julia Mancuso for fourth most World Cup wins and looks a good bet to become only the second American to ever win more than 18 times in the World Cup after Lindsey Vonn.
I’m proud of what I, and the rest of #teamUSA accomplished. My life is forever changed by this experience. Thank you for all of the support!
— Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin) February 24, 2014
I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot from Shiffrin over the next few years and she will likely be one of the biggest names and brightest stars that NBC focuses on during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
And of course thank you to my family and coaches, who have helped me be the best I can be.
— Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin) February 24, 2014
Give Shiffrin a follow on Twitter @MikaelaShiffrin.
