Mikaela Shiffrin discusses struggles with anxiety and the sense of being “destined to fail”

Mikaela Shiffrin discussed the challenges of managing uncertainty and anxiety in her skiing journey.

Mikaela Shiffrin discusses struggles with anxiety and the sense of being “destined to fail”

Mikaela Shiffrin (via People)

In a recent discourse, Mikaela Shiffrin, the record-holder for World Cup alpine skiing victories, has shed light on her battle with mental barriers and apprehensive thoughts. At 28, Shiffrin revealed her journey of surmounting psychological uncertainties, acknowledging the universal nature of hardships and anxiety.

She recognizes that everyone experiences trepidation, particularly when deeply invested in achieving excellence. The 28-year-old admitted that throughout much of her professional journey, she experienced solitude in her anxiety and trepidation, apprehensive about media perceptions.

YouTube video

Additionally, Shiffrin expressed concerns over potentially disillusioning friends and family and the immense pressure of unattainable expectations. The two-time Olympic gold medalist revealed that there was a time when she felt that she was destined to fail.

FS Video
And there was a time where I felt like, even if I won races, I was still destined to fail.
Mikaela Shiffrin

Shiffrin articulated her contrasting experience to her contemporaries’ rites of passage into adulthood, noting their burgeoning lives against her premature professional pressures. She acknowledged feeling predestined for failure within her discipline due to the immense successes that accompanied her youth.

Mikaela Shiffrin has seen the dual nature of his career

This dichotomy, Shiffrin observed, was a double-edged sword. While her accomplishments were extraordinary, they also precipitated a burden. It is where expectation eclipsed possibility, threatening perpetual disappointment.

Mikaela Shiffrin [Image Credit- Sports Illustrated]
Mikaela Shiffrin [Image Credit- Sports Illustrated]

In her reflection, Shiffrin reconciled with the notion of progress being non-linear. She surmised that life does not adhere to a single upward trajectory. Reaching a pinnacle in life, she concluded that it does not forecast an inevitable descent but rather signifies a temporary crest preceding subsequent ascents.

She persisted, articulating that the delight of it would grace one’s life numerous times. She asserted that even during periods of profound adversity, the anticipation of resurgence remains contingent upon fervent passion and a commitment to enhancement.

Mikaela Shiffrin perceived that she would continually confront criticism for failing to surpass others’ expectations amid her anxiety. Instead, she grew accustomed to change. Shiffrin suggested that it may be a long process, but both people and she will eventually get used to it.

If you believe that the demands are unachievable, what is the point in trying?
Mikaela Shiffrin

The 28-year-old broke the record for slalom victories in March with his 87th win, surpassing Ingemar Stenmark’s 1989 record of 86 career victories. Shiffrin expressed anxiety about her 88th win, stating that it made her feel nervous and concerned about the expectation of reaching 100 wins this year.

Mikaela Shiffrin felt overwhelmed and wanted to urge people to slow down and readjust their expectations, expressing a desire to scream from the rooftops about it. She recognized that it is not important as long as she enjoys it.

In case you missed: