(Park City) Two days after breaking the record for World Cup victories, Mikaela Shiffrin has hired as new head coach Karin Harjo, who led the Canadian alpine ski team.
US Ski & Snowboard announced the hiring of Harjo on Monday and said she will start in April. Harjo previously worked with Shiffrin as an assistant coach for Team USA.
“I have witnessed his exceptional work ethic, his ability to work well with other coaches, and most importantly, his connection and dedication to the athletes,” Shiffrin said in a statement released by the IAAF. crew.
“I believe she can help me a lot and will bring a new way of thinking as we progress. »
Harjo will work with Shiffrin’s mother, Eileen, who is also one of the two-time Olympic gold medalist’s coaches.
PHOTO MICHAEL PROBST, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Karin Harjo
Shiffrin turns 28 on Monday. Saturday in Sweden, she won a slalom for her 87e World Cup victory, one more than Ingemar Stenmark.
She also clinched her fifth overall World Cup title this season.
Harjo replaces Mike Day, who left at Worlds last month when Shiffrin informed him that she wanted to change personnel at the end of the season.
Day had been coaching Shiffrin since 2016. He was with her for 65 of her World Cup victories.
“I am beyond excited and honored by the opportunity to work with Mikaela,” said Harjo. I started my coaching career in the World Cup with the United States women’s technical team. I have always been impressed by Mikaela’s focus, resilience and dedication.
“Her work ethic is second to none and I look forward to working with her in this next stage of her career. What strikes me most about Mikaela is that she has already achieved so much, but she also knows there is still room for improvement. »