MERIBEL, France –
Famed American skier Mikaela Shiffrin had an unexpected farewell to her longtime coach, Mike Day, in the middle of the world championships after informing him that she planned to have a new direction with its staff at the end of the season.
“Mikaela wanted to do something different in the future. She wanted a new challenge. And she informed Mike and Mike that they decided to go home,” US director Patrick Riml told The Associated Press on Wednesday. . “It was a shock to me when he left.”
Day was with Shiffrin when she won a silver medal in super-G last week and then accompanied the skier for a few days of off-site training in Orcieres before returning to Meribel with her. this week.
“He went yesterday,” said Riml. “He’s probably on the plane right now.”
Shiffrin plans to race again in her favorite events, the giant slalom on Thursday and the slalom on Saturday.
“After working with Mike Day for seven seasons, I have decided to continue with new leadership on my team for the next phase of my career,” Shiffrin said in a statement released by the team. United States snow launched. “I want to thank Mike and acknowledge all of his work and dedication over the past few years.”
Day led Shiffrin’s personal team on the USA team. Shiffrin’s team is also led by her mother, Eileen, who has coached the skier all her life.
Shiffrin’s personal team also includes new assistant coach Mark Mitter, who remains with her, Riml said.
Paul Kristofic is the head coach of the United States women’s team.
“We have a lot of people here to support Mikaela and provide the training and information she needs on race day to do her job,” said Riml. “She’s got great support. … We’ll decide together what makes the most sense moving forward.”
Day did not immediately respond to questions from The AP.
Shiffrin is also in the midst of a record-breaking season on the World Cup circuit, which has eclipsed Lindsey Vonn’s record of 82 women’s World Cup titles and is one win behind Ingemar Stenmark on a total of 86 wins.
The silver medal in super-G ended Shiffrin’s troubled run in the major races after she stood at the gate in the combined event slalom of her opening race at the worlds. world and won no medals in her six races last year at the Beijing Olympics.
“Mikaela Shiffrin will continue with the new coach and will continue to be closely supported by the Stifel US Alpine Ski Team coaches for the remainder of the season and into the future,” the team said in a statement. declare. “The team thanks Mike Day for his work and great success over the past seven years.”
