All About Olympic Skier Mikaela Shiffrin's Parents

Eileen and Jeff Shiffrin's Background: Both Eileen and Jeff were competitive ski racers. Eileen raced in high school, and Jeff raced for Dartmouth College. They met while working at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, Mass., and married in 1986.

Raising a Skiing Family: The couple moved to Vail, Colorado, in 1991 and raised their children, Taylor and Mikaela, there. They enrolled them in Ski Club Vail, fostering their love for the sport. Eileen emphasized the importance of enjoying the process, advising parents to "calm down and enjoy the process when their kids are little, whatever the sport.”

Eileen's Role as Coach: While both parents initially coached Mikaela, Eileen became her primary travel companion and coach. Mikaela has repeatedly credited her mother for keeping her on track and being her best friend and coach. Eileen cherishes the opportunity to offer unique support to her daughter.

Jeff's Passing and Mikaela's Tribute: Jeff's unexpected death in 2020 deeply affected Mikaela, leading her to take a break from skiing. She returned to the sport to feel closer to her father and now wears a locket with his pictures and a loving inscription in his memory.

Her parents, Eileen and Jeff Shiffrin, introduced her to the sport at a young age.

Eileen was Mikaela's primary coach, travel companion, and source of unwavering support.

It led her to take a hiatus from skiing, but she returned to honor his memory.

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