Mikaela Shiffrin says she has been overwhelmed by the the support she has received following her two DNF results in the giant slalom and slalom races at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
The American skier and medal favorite in the two slalom alpine events told NBC Thursday, “The most surprising thing of my Olympic experience is how kind people have been.”
Shiffrin went on to thank all those who have reached out to her, offering her own words of encouragement and support.
“The most surprising thing of my Olympic experience is how kind people have been.”
— espnW (@espnW) February 11, 2022
Mikaela Shiffrin reflects on her time in Beijing so far.
(via @NBCOlympics)pic.twitter.com/7Cfu2S2kpo
The 26-year-old got back on her skies after crashing out of the Winter Games’ two opening events, finishing ninth in the super-G on Thursday with a time of 1:14.30.
Shiffrin was in good spirits following her super-G race, posting an uplifting message to her Twitter account, writing, “The girl who failed…could also fly.” Admitting that while “there is a lot of disappointment and heartbreak going around in the finish area,” there is also “a lot of support.”
The girl who failed… could also fly. pic.twitter.com/EZJVY03DPc
— Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin) February 11, 2022
Shiffrin continued, “Sending my love to those who are feeling that striking hurt of defeat… only let it beat you down for a little bit, and then you stand up again and throw a few punches back.”
The American skier ended her post with a simple and optimistic note, writing, “Today was a good day, so I’m just gonna let it be that.”
Shiffrin will next compete in the downhill in Beijing on Monday.