Things you 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 🤗 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 words of encouragement from tennis star @iga_swiatek to @MikaelaShiffrin 🤝❤️ #Beijing2022 | #AlpineSkiing | @WTA
Iga Swiatek sends Mikaela Shiffrin heartwarming video following social media abuse
WTASaturday, 19 February 2022 at 01:00
Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek sent a heartfelt video message to American skiing great Mikaela Shiffrin after the latter was subjected to a barrage of abuse on social media.
Shiffrin is one of the most successful alpine skiers in history and is a three-time Overall World Cup winner. She is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the youngest Olympic alpine skiing champion in history, having won gold in Sochi aged just 18.
However, the Beijing Games have proven to be a real struggle for Shiffrin. Ahead of the competition, the US star was vying for as many as five medals, but she has failed to win any so far, with just one event remaining. Shiffrin was left fighting back tears after her disappointment and admitted she felt like a failure.
“I don’t know if there’s anybody who ever had so many opportunities to get a medal in the Olympic Games and failed so many times,” she stressed.
To compound Shiffrin’s miserable experience at these Winter Olympics, the skier revealed on Twitter that she’s received vile abuse from others online.
Shiffrin posted screenshots of some of the messages she had sent to her recently, many of which describe her as a “choker” and someone who can’t handle the pressure.
A number of sports stars have offered support to Shiffrin in recent days, including former French Open champion Swiatek.
In a video message, via Discovery Eurosport, the 20-year-old said: “Hi Mikaela. I know these must be tough moments for you but really you should remember how hugely inspirational you are for 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 also inspired me and I’m really grateful to have an opportunity to chat with you and talk to you and to meet you someday when Covid is gone.
“I really hope you’re going to keep going and keep being as strong as you are because you’re doing great.”
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