Mikaela Shiffrin extends partnership with Barilla for fifth year

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Barilla, maker of Italy’s No. 1 brand of pasta, is proud to extend its partnership with U.S. Ski Team standout Mikaela Shiffrin for the 2015-2016 ski season.

The 20-year-old alpine skier, who will continue to wear Barilla’s iconic logo on her helmet, returns to the slopes after an extremely successful 2014-2015 campaign which saw her become the youngest slalom gold medalist in Olympic alpine skiing history. She also won her third consecutive World Cup slalom title last season. Shiffrin is set to begin the 2015-16 World Cup season on Oct. 24 in Soelden, Austria.

The newly announced extension between Barilla and Shiffrin marks the fifth year of a partnership based on shared values.

“It’s been a tremendous privilege to support Mikaela and to be there as her skiing career took incredible flight over the past few years,” said Melissa Tendick, Vice President Marketing, Region Americas at Barilla. “Mikaela is a wonderful ambassador for the Barilla brand, and demonstrates the positive benefits of good nutrition. Our hope is that athletes at every level – including today’s youth – will consider including pasta in their diets as a sustainable energy source.”

Shiffrin routinely integrates Barilla ProteinPLUS into her diet, often pairing pasta with vegetables or additional sources of protein.

“I make sure to eat balanced meals, including a portion of pasta every day,” Shiffrin said. “It’s easy to add dairy and veggies for a quick, easy, delicious and nutritious meal any time. With my rigorous training and travel schedule, I need a protein rich meal that I can easily cook no matter where I am – which is why I love Barilla ProteinPLUS.”

“I’m very proud to have the continued support of Barilla, which is a great, family-owned company. I’ve been part of the Barilla family since 2012 – which has been amazing!”

Release courtesy of Barilla

Correction: The original version of this article noted the partnership length at three years when it was later corrected by Barilla to five.