Winter Olympics fans are loving Mikaela Shiffrin's gold medal photo.
The iconic U.S. skier, who won gold in the women's slalom, is celebrating the gold medal in epic fashion. She completely dominated the field, finishing 1.50 seconds ahead of second-placer Camille Rast of Switzerland.
Shiffrin, who unexpectedly lost her father in 2020, was emotional following the win.
“Part of my journey through grief has been challenging because I don't feel this thing that a lot of people talk about, this deep spiritual connection with their loved one,” said Shiffrin. “People talk about feeling the presence. And I haven't felt it in that way. I feel it in that I think about my dad all of the time. So I feel connected to him, in my thoughts and in talking about him.”
She continued.
"Sometimes I've also been resentful of the people who talk about feeling this person, like, ‘Oh, they're here with me. They're carrying me through this day,’” she continued. “And I'm like, ‘Where?’ Like, ‘The [expletive].’ Sorry. Why do you get to feel that? Why can't it just be easier?
"Today, maybe I just get to talk to him. And maybe he doesn't have to specifically answer. Which is hard, but it's okay."
© Michael Madrid-Imagn Images.
Shiffrin ended up celebrating in epic fashion.
The gold medal winner posted a sweet hotel room photo
"Not a lot going on right now…🥇," she wrote.
Fans are loving it.
"Perfect place after those super intense days!!! Sooooo goooooood!! 🎉💥," one fan wrote.
"Night night, queen. 😴," one fan added.
"You are queen. Greetings from Slovakia and congrats. ♥️," one fan added.
"SO happy for you!!!" one fan added.
"Deserved! 😊🥇👏👏👏," another fan wrote.
Well done, Mikaela.