Tennis star Iga ÅwiÄ tek has sent Mikaela Shiffrin a heartfelt video, emphasising her admiration for the skiing icon, after she was subject to a barrage of social media abuse. Shiffrin is one of the most successful alpine skiers in history and is a three-time Overall World Cup winner. She is also a two-time Olympic gold medallist and the youngest Olympic alpine skiing champion in history, having won gold in Sochi aged just 18. However, the Beijing Games have proven to be a real struggle for Shiffrin. Ahead of the competition, the US star was vying for as many as five medals, but she has failed to win any so far, with just one event remaining. The 26-year-old was disqualified from the slalom and the giant slalom for missing gates, before crashing out of the womenâs combined. Her three DNFâs at these Games are all the more surprising when you consider this matches the number of times itâs happened over the previous four years. Shiffrin was left fighting back tears after her disappointment and admitted she felt like a failure. âI donât know if thereâs anybody who ever had so many opportunities to get a medal in the Olympic Games and failed so many times,â she stressed. To compound Shiffrinâs miserable experience at these Winter Olympics, the skier revealed on Twitter that sheâs received vile abuse from others online. Shiffrin posted screenshots of some of the messages she had sent to her recently, many of which describe her as a âchokerâ and someone who canât handle the pressure. Despite the hate comments, Shiffrin is seemingly trying her best to ignore the haters and posted a message emphasising she is still just as motivated to succeed. âWell kids⦠feed em what you wanna feed em. Self-pity, sadness⦠let the turkeys get you down,â she said.âWhy do I keep coming back? Gosh knows it hurts more than it feels good lately. I come back because those first [nine] turns today were spectacular, really heaven. Thatâs where Iâm meant to be and Iâm stubborn as s**t.âSo letâs go for some team event training tomorrow and then the final alpine race of this Olympics on Saturday.â
A number of sports stars have offered support to Shiffrin in recent days, including gymnastics legend Simone Biles.
The latest to offer solace, however, is former French Open champion ÅwiÄ tek.
In a video message, via Discovery Eurosport, the 20-year-old said: âHi Mikaela. I know these must be tough moments for you but really you should remember how hugely inspirational you are for all of us. Not only as an athlete but as a person.
âThese are not just empty words, you know that and I know that. You also inspired me and Iâm really grateful to have an opportunity to chat with you and talk to you and to meet you someday when Covid is gone.
âI really hope youâre going to keep going and keep being as strong as you are because youâre doing great.â
ÅwiÄ tek reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open last month and is currently ranked fourth in the world.
While tennis and skiing have never gone hand in hand, the Polish starâs words prove that athletes can often provide the best support to one another in times of need.Â
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