Mikaela Shiffrin shares funny anecdote as she wishes her mother Eileen Shiffrin on birthday

Mikaela Shiffrin extended heartfelt wishes to her mother on her birthday with a comical anecdote. The most decorated alpine skier in history has always prioritized family time, be it with her parents, sibling Taylor or fiance Aleksander Kilde.

Mikaela Shiffrin earned the title of the winningest skier in history, having earned 97 World Cup wins throughout her career. She also holds two Olympic gold medals and five overall World Cup champion titles.

Over the years, the 28-year-old received immense praise for her technical abilities, strength and discipline, but she didn't acquire these through extended gym time. Her secret to success is her mother, Eileen Shiffrin, a former prominent masters racer who has coached Shiffrin since her debut World Cup stint at just 15.

Eventually, Eileen stepped down from coaching for her ICU nursing duties but didn't stop being Mikaela's guiding light as the manager of Team Shiffrin.

In her recent Instagram post, Mikaela Shiffrin wished her mother on her birthday, penning a short and sweet note, paired with a funny anecdotal reference.

"BIRTHDAY GIRL!!! Lemme know if you find that lipstick tho. I Love You," she wrote in the caption.

The 29-year-old posted a carousel of photos on Eileen's special day, combining photos of her dancing, posing like a diva, and holding a card. She also shared an adorable picture with the mother-daughter duo in front of a beautiful sunset.

Eileen Shiffrin not only served as her daughter's primary coach but also her year-round travel partner. In 2019, however, Mikaela Shiffrin parted with her mother's coaching and training role since the latter wished to stay home in Colorado.

Eileen clarified (via New York Times):

"People are not around forever. And it will be good for Mikaela to learn to do more coaching of herself without me being around. She also has an entire staff already in place."

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Mikaela Shiffrin shared that the familial bond in the Shiffrin household propelled her career

After Shiffrin's father, Jeff lost his life in an accident in Colorado, the alpine skier contemplated quitting her sport. But the immense support she received from her brother, Taylor and mother encouraged her to bounce back and reclaim the top position.

In a mother-and-daughter conversation via Outside, the 29-year-old shared how her family played an integral role in her life.

"I felt like it was such a gift for us to be close. It also set me apart through my ski career - to have that closeness with you, and with Dad and Taylor, and just with family in general... The fundamental premise in our family philosophy is to be close, loving and caring. It has carried me through my career," she told her mother.

The 2024/25 Alpine Skiing World Cup season will kick off in October 2024. Mikaela Shiffrin will look to extend her World Cup tally to 100.