Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin announced Wednesday that she plans to limit “interactions” with media and fans due to coronavirus concerns.
The 24-year-old Wold Cup champion skier shared the news on Instagram that she would be returning to race again in Are, Sweden, this week after taking a break from the sport following her father, Jeff’s death six weeks ago on February 2. The post was noted by Boston.com. (RELATED: REPORT: Coachella Potentially Rescheduled To October Due To Coronavirus Fears)
But she warned that due to “heartbreak” and concerns about the coronavirus, she planned to limit her “interactions with the media, fans, and competitors.” (RELATED: Check Out The Hottest 2018 U.S. Female Winter Olympians [SLIDESHOW])
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“I have some wonderful memories with my Dad here during the World Cup Finals and World Champs, so I’ve been looking forward to returning for these races,” Shiffrin captioned her post. (RELATED: Pearl Jam Postpones North American Tour Over Growing Coronavirus Concerns)
“I still have no real goals or expectations,” she added. “I just would like to try and race again before the end of the season.”
Shiffrin continued, while explaining that “the heartbreak remains — for this reason, and also due to concerns about the Coronavirus, I ask that you be accepting of my decision to limit my interactions with the media, fans, and competitors.”
“This means no selfies, autographs, hugs, high fives, handshakes or kiss greetings, and limited interviews if any,” the Olympic skier shared. “I think it is the best way to not only protect myself but also the responsible thing to do for everyone.”
The three-time World Cup overall champion scored her first career win in Are at the age of 17 in 2012 and won a record fourth straight slalom world title there in 2019.