Shiffrin Calls McAfee’s Crew ‘World-Class Yappers’

Mikaela Shiffrin Joins The Pat McAfee Show, Spars With Hosts

In a rare and highly anticipated appearance, alpine skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin graced the set of The Pat McAfee Show, bringing her unparalleled competitive fire and sharp wit to the famously boisterous studio. From the moment she was introduced as the “greatest alpine slalom skier in the history,” Shiffrin, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, was ready to engage with hosts Pat McAfee, AJ Hawk, and the rest of the crew.

Embracing the ‘Yapping’ Culture

Shiffrin immediately acknowledged the show’s unique atmosphere, playfully calling the hosts “world-class yappers.” McAfee, never one to shy away from such a description, readily agreed, stating, “This is a yapping show. This is a yappy show. Lot of yapping over here.” This lighthearted exchange set the tone for an interview that blended deep dives into Shiffrin’s career with the show’s signature energetic banter.

A Career Defined by Dominance

At just 30 years old, Shiffrin has already cemented her legacy as one of the all-time greats. The conversation quickly turned to how she reached such lofty heights at a relatively young age in a sport where many peak later. Shiffrin explained that while 30 is considered young in many professions, in ski racing, it’s nearing the later stages of a career, though she notes the average age is increasing.

Her World Cup career, spanning 14-15 years, has been nothing short of extraordinary. “It’s just a lot of years of, you know, we have a World Cup season from October until March,” Shiffrin detailed, highlighting the grueling schedule that often includes over 40 races. While she doesn’t compete in every event, her consistent success is undeniable. The show’s research team confirmed her status as holding the record for the most trophies in World Cup history.

The Global Stage of Ski Racing

When asked about the World Cup circuit, Shiffrin elaborated on its predominantly European nature. While the US, with iconic venues like Beaver Creek, and Canada, with Mont Tremblant, host a few races, the bulk of the season takes place across Europe. The season kicks off in Solden, Austria, and continues with stops in places like Finland, where a unique prize awaits the winner: a live reindeer. Shiffrin proudly shared that she has amassed eight or nine of these antlered trophies over the years, keeping them on a farm.

Comparing Legacies: Shiffrin and Vonn

The discussion also touched upon the formidable presence of fellow American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn. Shiffrin clarified the distinction between their specialties: Vonn as the “greatest speed skier of all time,” excelling in downhill and Super-G, while Shiffrin has dominated the technical events of slalom and giant slalom. Both athletes have achieved immense success for the United States, creating a strong legacy for American skiing.

Navigating Expectations and Personal Loss

A significant portion of the interview focused on the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Shiffrin candidly discussed the immense pressure and the unexpected outcome of not medaling, a stark contrast to her previous Olympic triumphs. She revealed that the Games coincided with the second anniversary of her father’s passing and occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding layers of personal grief and logistical challenges to an already high-stakes competition.

“You don’t get to really wash away the Olympics with excuses or explanations. Like if you don’t get a medal, you don’t get a medal.”

Despite the disappointment, Shiffrin framed the Beijing experience as a crucial learning moment. She explained that the lessons learned directly contributed to her ability to perform at her best in Cortina, where she delivered what she considers her finest Olympic slalom performance. This perspective underscored her resilience and mental fortitude, a point McAfee and his crew emphasized as inspiring.

Beyond the Slopes: A New Chapter

Looking ahead, Shiffrin is already embarking on a new venture: a podcast. She expressed excitement about exploring different communication styles and gaining a deeper appreciation for hosting conversations, a skill she complimented the McAfee show hosts on.

“This is it given me like a whole different world of um understanding or even like respect for what you’re doing because it is hard to like host conversations and know what you’re it’s like you do such a good job,” Shiffrin remarked.

The Quest for Olympic Redemption and the Future

The conversation circled back to the idea of Olympic redemption, with Shiffrin emphasizing her focus on delivering her best performance, irrespective of the medal outcome. She spoke about the mental preparation, including working with a psychologist and utilizing mantras, to achieve this mindset. This approach highlights her dedication to the sport and her personal growth as an athlete.

A Glimpse into Shiffrin’s Toolkit

In a lighter moment, the hosts inquired about Shiffrin’s extensive collection of gold medals. She admitted that currently, they are kept in their cases, as she hasn’t returned home from Europe yet and carrying them around can be “a little sketchy.” The crew offered humorous suggestions for displaying them, ranging from a large belt buckle to melting them down to frame her goggles.

The show also explored ways for the hosts to experience skiing without the actual mountain. Shiffrin introduced the concept of ski simulators and treadmills, even inviting the McAfee crew to the U.S. Ski Team’s Center of Excellence in Park City to try them out.

Looking Ahead: Next Race and Viewing Information

As the interview concluded, Shiffrin announced her upcoming race in Val di Fassa, Italy, scheduled for Sunday. While acknowledging that finding viewing information can be complicated, she assured the audience it would be available on streaming platforms like Ski and Snowboard Live. The hosts pledged to tune in and bet on her success, reinforcing their support for the skiing phenom.

Shiffrin’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show was a testament to her ability to connect with a broad audience, showcasing not only her athletic prowess but also her intelligence, humor, and resilience. Her journey continues, with fans eager to follow her next triumphs on and off the slopes.

Source: Mikaela Shiffrin CALLS OUT Pat & the boys for being WORLD-CLASS YAPPERS 🗣️ | The Pat McAfee Show (YouTube)