Many are betting that three-time Olympic medalist Mikaela Shiffrin will become the most decorated skier of all time. The youngest athlete to reach 60 World Cup victories, she is also the first skier, male or female, to win across all six disciplines: slalom, parallel, giant slalom, super-G, downhill and Alpine combined.
This ski season, Shiffrin plans to compete in approximately 28 World Cup races, a goal very few athletes have attempted. Here, the 24-year-old discusses travel, jet lag, music and the power of Mom.
Q: Jet lag:How do you deal?
A: Hydration is essential. While I am traveling, I drink a lot of water, often infused with juice for electrolytes. When I arrive at the destination (we always fly at night), I expose myself to light right away and try to adjust to the time zone. Exercise helps a lot, so if there is time, I'll go to the gym. The worst thing one can do is take a nap. It just makes acclimation more difficult. At night, I might use melatonin, but I need to be careful with supplements as they can make me lethargic the next day.
Q: What do you bring on the road for feels-like-home comfort?
A: I like to have candles next to my bed. Right now I have a pink peony one. I also travel with a super-soft blanket that was given to me by a member of the Italian ski team. The best, of course, is having my mom with me for much of the competition season. If you can travel with family, that is home.
Q: Music is a big part of your routine. What's on your playlist now?
A: I have a playlist for gearing up to race and another for chilling out. My race prep includes classics like Eminem "Guts Over Fear," featuring Sia, One Republic, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dua Lipa, Imagine Dragons, Kygo. To relax, I like uncomplicated, soulful melodies by artists like London Grammar, Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi and Olafur Arnalds, whose music sounds like symphonic lullabies.
