Featured Image: Mikaela Shiffrin at Atomic Media Day. Photo courtesy of Atomic.
Atomic Media Day: Stars, Stories, and Shared Passion for Skiing
Continuing coverage from what was truly a remarkable gathering of Atomic athletes and partners, the annual Atomic Media Day celebrated the spirit of “Faster. Always.” The day brought together some of the brightest stars in world skiing — and the excitement among journalists was palpable the moment Mikaela Shiffrin stepped on stage.
Sharing Thoughts and Emotions
Last season was both record-breaking and emotionally demanding for Shiffrin, marked by historic wins but also by a dangerous fall and injury. For an athlete of her stature, finding healthy ways to process those challenges is essential.
How does she do it?
“Sharing and talking and relating to other people about my life and my experience has been so helpful for me. To grow and improve and move forward from traumatic events and from injuries and from pain. It also helps me to process good things in life. For the last four years, I’ve been talking with my psychologist and working with pieces like The Players’ Tribune. They dive into deep questions that help you process things — and I appreciate that so much.”
Her openness revealed not just resilience, but a maturity grounded in self-awareness. Shiffrin’s willingness to speak about mental recovery and personal growth added real depth to her remarks, showing how even the sport’s most successful athlete continues to evolve.
Journalists also asked about her life off the slopes — her relationship with Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and her growing ventures beyond skiing. Earlier this summer, Shiffrin joined the ownership group for Denver’s new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, an opportunity that clearly excites her.
“I’m generally a big fan of soccer. I grew up playing, so I love the sport. This new team in Denver, in the National Women’s Soccer League, is coming up and it’s going to be incredible. We’re so excited in Colorado.”
With a laugh — and a quick on-stage demonstration — she joked that Aamodt Kilde might have her beat on the field, “because he’s got the moves.”
When asked whether the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics might be her last, Shiffrin smiled and admitted she isn’t ready to say. Her focus remains squarely on the present. She confirmed she won’t race downhill this season, but she hasn’t ruled out competing in Super-G.
This season’s schedule includes several venues that hold deep meaning for her, particularly Špindlerův Mlýn — where she raced her first two World Cups just days before turning 16.
“It was my first World Cup races there, basically two days before I turned 16, and my dad was there with me. So it’s a very emotional place for me. It brings back a lot of memories. I’ve had so many incredible races there, and honestly, mostly amazing memories. I’m excited to return.”
Her voice softened at the mention of her father, revealing that even after years of dominance, her connection to the sport remains deeply personal.
A Touch of Luck
Fans of the women’s circuit surely remember the playful moment in Špindlerův Mlýn 2023 when Shiffrin had to show Zrinka Ljutić how to open champagne on the podium. For the young Croatian, then celebrating her first World Cup podium, it was a lesson she’ll never forget.
“Exactly, yeah. I remember that moment. It was the most important lesson!”
Now 21, Ljutić balances training with summer passions like windsurfing — and her fan base keeps growing across Europe.
“I have a lot of support, also from Slovakia, where I have one fan club, and I’m really happy about it. In Croatia too — they come to almost every race to cheer for me. I really want to let them know that I’m very, very thankful for it!”
Before last season, she touched the crystal globe for luck — and ended up winning it. When asked whether she has held an Olympic medal yet, Ljutić laughed.
“No, not yet, but I have to get my hands on them as soon as possible. I don’t know where to find them! I should ask Janica (Kostelić) if I can touch hers maybe…”
Her globe now sits proudly on a shelf at home, a reminder of how far she’s come.“I have to say, Lucas Pinheiro Braathen told me one really good thing. He said — at the end of the day, the next morning you wake up after you win a globe, and it’s just another trophy sitting on the shelf. And it couldn’t be further from the truth. But still, it’s nice to look at it sometimes.”
Treasures in the Garage and Pinheiro Braathen’s Happiness
Pinheiro Braathen, now representing Brazil, shared his own story — including where his crystal globe from 2022–23 ended up. “Yeah, it’s in my dad’s garage in a box — in a house I haven’t even visited yet because he just moved. I haven’t seen it since I got it.”
He smiled, admitting there’s plenty of room for more trophies — and maybe an Olympic medal. His next goal is clear: bring Olympic gold home to Brazil. But for Pinheiro Braathen, it’s about more than the medal.
“It’s both pressure and a privilege — they go hand in hand. There’s a lot at stake, and I’m the only one carrying this responsibility. But that’s what gives it meaning. It’s about perception — channeling pressure into positivity, love, and purpose. I take huge pride in this opportunity and will do everything in my power to bring home a medal to Brazil.”
Anyone following Pinheiro Braathen’s Instagram knows he seems to live across different worlds — geographically, linguistically, and creatively. Yet he radiates happiness.
“It’s all about balance. Skiing is my greatest love — but it’s just one of the lives I live. I’m a skier shaped by all my other experiences, and that’s what I bring to the slopes. Hopefully, that’s my success factor.”
When asked directly if he’s happy, his answer was instant.
“I very much am. The real purpose is to be happy. I seek fulfillment every single day because I simply want to be happy. Achieving sporting results, working on creative projects, inspiring others — that’s what makes me happy.”
Recently, he surprised fans by launching Octo, a wellness-focused skincare line.
“It came as a surprise to many. People probably expected my first brand to be a fashion label — but Octo felt more aligned with what I wanted to bring: well-being and happiness, reconnecting with nature.”
Before leaving the stage, Pinheiro Braathen offered a heartfelt message to his supporters.
“I’m so looking forward to putting on a show for you guys again. I could never do it the way that I do if it wasn’t for you. Please just stay with me and allow me to be who I am — just like you have during this whole first season together.”
His growing Brazilian fan base is learning to love ski racing — and this year, he plans to introduce them to his newest challenge: Super-G.
Fans Move the World of Skiing
Many World Cup athletes emphasize that fans are the true engine of the sport. They bring the energy that fuels performance — and for sponsors, they’re the reason to invest.
Austrian speed specialist Mirjam Puchner shared her gratitude for that connection.
“I try to give something back to the fans because we are living from them. It’s very special to show them more personal things. I’m very grateful to have them.”
Her goal for this Olympic season is simple: to be the best version of herself. She’s especially excited for stops like Soldeu and Kvitfjell, two venues where she’s consistently strong.
Fellow Austrian Fabio Gstrein also noted how special it is to race at home in Sölden or Gurgl.
“It’s a little more pressure because I know most of the people cheering for me — old friends, neighbors, everyone. It’s different, but it’s good pressure, and fun to race there.”
Big Changes Ahead
This summer brought new faces to the Redster family — including World Giant Slalom champion Raphael Haaser and seven-time slalom winner Daniel Yule.
Haaser admitted that switching skis before an Olympic season is a major decision, but one he needed. “It’s a big change, but deep down I needed it — a step forward in my career.”
For Yule, after 19 years with another brand, the move to Atomic has been refreshing. “It’s definitely new skis, new people, new routines — but really exciting. It’s great to bring fresh air into my preparation and relearn some things. I’m excited for the season and hope to show what I can do.”
Italian slalom star Alex Vinatzer also introduced his new coach — the meticulous Mauro Pini of Switzerland, best known for guiding Petra Vlhová to Olympic gold.
“We’re really happy with how it’s going. Mauro’s very organized, and our training has been great. He’s the right person for us heading into the home Olympics.”
When asked if he’s ready for extra Slovak media attention thanks to Pini’s popularity there, Vinatzer grinned. “Yeah, why not? I’ve never raced in Slovakia, but I’d love to see what’s going on there…”
Health Comes First
Italian star Sofia Goggia enters the Olympic season healthy and confident — and as Italy’s brightest hope in Cortina. “For us Italians, it’s going to be really emotional. I’ve done two Olympics in Asia — now bringing them back to the heart of Europe, to our country, it’s a huge pride.”
Her teammate Federica Brignone, the reigning overall globe holder, continues to recover from a fall at the national championships. Fans and teammates alike are watching her progress closely.
After a yearlong battle with lymph-node cancer, Switzerland’s Nils Hintermann returned to the tour full of strength and optimism.
“So far so good. I feel great, trained well, and it’s fun to be back. All in all — healthy and happy.”
Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde also shared positive news, confirming his readiness to fight for podiums again. He joined Adrian Sejersted and Frederik Moeller in a lively chat about team spirit and preparation, even sharing a lighthearted story about their new serviceman joining the squad for the Olympic year.
Among Austria’s medal hopefuls is Marco Schwarz, who returned to racing in Alta Badia in December 2024 after a serious injury. The always-popular Manuel Feller, however, couldn’t attend due to back issues.
When Everything Works Like a Machine
Many fans remember the emotional breakout of Malorie Blanc, who started with bib 46 and landed on the podium in St. Anton.
“It sounds unrealistic, but it was unbelievable. I came back from injury with no big expectations — it turned out much better than I thought. It was just unbelievably emotional.”
Her teammate Tanguy Nef, who studied computer science, offered a memorable comparison between skiing and coding.
“It’s a lot of things that have to click together — like wheels that all need to work. If you miss one comma in code, the whole program fails. In skiing, if you miss one gate, it’s over. So, putting everything together for performance — it’s quite similar.”
He laughed, recalling how people sometimes mispronounce his French name.
“The worst I’ve heard was ‘Donkey.’ Sometimes I just introduce myself as Nef.”
The Road Ahead
Listening to each athlete’s reflections on the eve of an Olympic season was both inspiring and humanizing. Every story — from Shiffrin’s self-awareness to Ljutić’s joy and Pinheiro Braathen’s creative drive — revealed how determination, vulnerability, and passion coexist at the sport’s highest level.
The Redster team looks stronger than ever — united by their craft, inspired by their fans, and ready to chase glory in Milano-Cortina.
For ski racing fans, one thing is sure: this winter will be unforgettable. Want to hear more from Atomic Media Day? Tune in to the Skiing Is Believing podcast, where Matthew Garcka shares a special collage of the most engaging moments — made possible through collaboration with Atomic Ski Fans.
About the Author: Darka Sefcik Starnova
