Winter Olympics 2022 - Mikaela Shiffrin gets touching message of support from tennis star Iga Swiatek
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Published 18/02/2022 at 08:20 GMT
After Mikaela Shiffrin took to Instagram to address her frustrating Olympic Games and criticism she has had, tennis star Iga Swiatek responded with a message of support for the legendary alpine skier. Shiffrin suffered three DNFs in the slalom, giant slalom and combined events. “I know this must be a tough moment for you, but remember how much of an inspiration you are to all of us,” said Swiatek.
'Remember, you are an inspiration' - Swiatek with touching words for friend Shiffrin
Iga Swiatek has responded to Mikaela Shiffrin's Instagram post highlighting the criticism she has received with a message of support for the 26-year-old alpine skier.
Shiffrin has had a difficult Beijing campaign and is without a medal after competing in five events. On Thursday she highlighted some of the criticism which has come her way.
And in response, through Eurosport, Swiatek sent a video message to the American labelling her an “inspiration”. The two sports stars have developed a firm friendship over social media.
“I know this must be a tough moment for you,” Swiatek said at the beginning of her message, sent to Eurosport, “but remember how much of an inspiration you are to all of us.”
“Not only as an athlete, but as a person.
“These are not just empty words, you know that and I know that.
You inspired me and I'm pretty grateful to have the opportunity to chat with you, talk to you and maybe meet you someday!
“I really hope you’re going to keep going and be as strong as you are because you’re doing great.”
Shiffrin had posted on social media: “It’s not always easy, but it’s not always the end of the world to fail.
“Fail twice, fail five times, at the Olympics.
Why do I keep coming back? Gosh knows, it hurts more than it feels good lately.
“I come back because those first nine turns today were spectacular, really heaven.
“That’s where I’m meant to be and i’m stubborn at s**t, so let’s go for some team event training tomorrow and then the final alpine race of this Olympics on Saturday.”
Shiffrin suffered a DNF in the giant slalom after missing an early gate, and had the same fate in the slalom.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist then managed 9th and 18th place finishes in the super-G and downhill events respectively, before skiing out of the slalom race in the women's combined event for an early elimination.
The Olympic Games will return with Paris 2024, live on Eurosport and discovery+
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